UAE bans import of live birds from Russia due to bird flu outbreak

UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) has banned the import of live domestic and wild birds from Russia, along with chicks, hatching eggs, poultry meats and related meat products.

The ban on Russian imports primarily covers the region of Kostromskaya Oblast following an outbreak of bird flu in the area, as well as provinces that have previously been infected such as Respublika Kalmykia and Astrakhanskaya Oblast.

The ministry announced the decision following a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) regarding an outbreak of bird flu strain H5N2 on a farm in Kurskaya Oblast.

However, poultry products such as meat and eggs that have been thermally treated are noted to be exempt from the ban.

MoCCAE assistant under-secretary for the food diversity sector Dr Majid Sultan Al Qassimi was quoted by the WAM Emirates News Agency as saying: “These measures reiterate the ministry’s keenness in achieving its strategic objectives, including enhancing bio-security levels and eliminating pathogens before they enter the country.

“In doing so, the ministry prevents the bird flu virus and related risks and impacts on the country’s poultry health and safety, in addition to protecting public health and well-being.”

MoCCAE is also carefully examining the documentation accompanying consignments of food products imported into the country as an additional measure.

These documentations include certificates of origin, health certificates and halal certifications.

In addition, the ministry is carrying out sensory detection based on identification cards to ensure the quality of the products imported into the country.

Samples of the food products shipped into the country are tested in laboratories before they are declared safe for consumption.