Keeping abreast of trade partners’ health status through their published reports on the website of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), the Department of Animal Development & Health at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) learned that Bulgaria has reported an outbreak of the highly pathogenic H5 bird flu virus. Thus, MOCCAE announced that it has taken the following precautionary measures:
- Temporary banned the import of all species of domestic and wild live birds, ornamental birds, chicks, hatching eggs and their non-heat-treated by-products from Bulgaria.
- Banned the import of poultry meat and non-heat-treated products and table eggs from the region of Dobric, Bulgaria.
His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Majid bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity Sector and Director of Animal Development & Health Department at MOCCAE, said: “These measures reiterate the Ministry's keenness in achieving its strategic objectives including enhancing biosecurity levels and eliminating pathogens before they enter the country. In doing so, the Ministry prevents bird flu and related risks and their impacts on the country’s poultry health and safety, in addition to protecting public health and well-being.”
MOCCAE is carefully scrutinizing documentation accompanying consignments (certificates of origin, health certificates and halal certificates, among others) of food products shipped into the country. The Ministry is also conducting sensory detection to ensure that the quality of the products complies with the UAE’s stringent standards. Samples of food products from shipments are transferred to laboratories for the necessary tests to ensure they are safe and fit to enter the country.