Saudi Arabia has announced a sweeping ban on poultry and egg imports from 40 countries, including India, in a move that could significantly disrupt global poultry trade. The decision comes amid rising international concern over outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) stated that the measure is precautionary and aims to protect public health whilst safeguarding the Kingdom’s domestic food supply chain. Officials said the affected countries were identified through international disease surveillance reports and risk assessments linked to the spread of avian influenza.
“The decision aims to protect public health and ensure food safety in the local market,” Saudi authorities said, emphasising that biosecurity remains a top priority. The ban specifically applies to poultry meat and table eggs from the listed countries. However, the restrictions do not constitute an outright halt to all poultry-related imports.
The SFDA clarified that heat-treated and fully processed poultry products may still be permitted entry into the Kingdom, provided they meet strict health requirements. Such products must be accompanied by certified veterinary health documentation and originate from facilities approved by Saudi regulators. Authorities also stressed that the heat treatment applied must be sufficient to eliminate avian influenza and other disease risks.
Saudi regulators added that all shipments will undergo rigorous inspection to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. For India, the decision could temporarily impact exporters relying on the Saudi market for poultry and egg shipments. Industry experts said companies are currently assessing the potential financial impact and reviewing compliance procedures to align with updated Saudi regulations.
The move may also cause short-term disruptions in regional trade flows. In addition to the 40-country ban, Saudi Arabia has imposed partial restrictions on specific provinces and cities in 16 other nations, including the United States, Australia, France and Canada. These targeted measures are based on localised outbreak assessments rather than nationwide bans.
Globally, concerns about bird flu have heightened in recent years. Since 2003, outbreaks have spread across Asia, Africa and Europe, affecting domestic poultry and wild bird populations. Public health experts warn that while avian influenza mainly affects birds, certain strains have infected humans in rare cases, raising fears about potential future pandemics.
Saudi Arabia’s latest move reflects a wider trend of tightening biosecurity measures worldwide as governments attempt to shield their food systems from infectious animal diseases. As global monitoring of avian influenza intensifies, the key question now is whether other countries will follow Saudi Arabia’s lead and impose similar restrictions, as bird flu concerns continue to grow.
