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Wed, Jan 21, 2026 | Shaban 2, 1447 | Fajr 05:45 | DXB 
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Saudi Arabia bans poultry, eggs from France, Poland over avian disease outbreaks
Both countries are reporting significant outbreaks of HPAI and ND in poultry and wild birds, leading to mass culling and strict containment measures
Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has temporarily banned the import of poultry and table eggs from France and Poland following outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) and Newcastle disease (ND) in parts of both countries.
The ban follows an advisory from the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in response to the outbreaks.
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Products that have undergone heat treatment sufficient to eliminate HPAI or ND viruses are exempt if they meet approved health standards. Imports must also include a health certificate issued by the competent authorities in France or Poland confirming the product is virus-free or that the virus has been eradicated.
Both France and Poland are reporting significant outbreaks of HPAI and ND in poultry and wild birds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has led to the culling of hundreds of millions of farmed birds in recent years, disrupting food supplies and increasing prices. Human cases remain rare.
Global H5N1 outbreak
Avian disease outbreaks, driven mainly by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1, are widespread, affecting wild birds, poultry, and, more recently, dairy cattle. Sporadic human cases have been reported, but no sustained human-to-human transmission has been observed.
The outbreak, which began in 2021, has spread to more than 50 mammal species, complicating traditional containment efforts. Public health authorities continue to monitor for potential adaptation to humans, though the overall risk is currently considered low.
Outbreaks typically peak in autumn as migratory birds head south, but this season saw earlier cases, killing many wild birds, mainly common cranes along the German, French, and Spanish routes as well as a large number of waterfowl.
Between September 6 and November 28, 2,896 highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 virus detections - mostly H5N1 - were reported in domestic birds in 29 countries in Europe, with 442 in poultry and 2,454 in wild birds, EFSA said in a report.
Humans infected by H5N1
For humans, bird flu infected 19 people in four countries (Cambodia, China, Mexico and the US), killing one in Cambodia and one in the U.S, EFSA said. All cases involved exposure to poultry or poultry environments.
Bird flu outbreaks in mammals were fewer than in 2022 and 2023, but remain a concern due to potential mutations that would make it transmissible between humans.
Detections were likely to keep rising, although high wild bird mortality could prompt tighter farm controls and help slow the virus's spread.
Ajanta Paul
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.
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