Egypt: Poultry exports approved after 14 years

Egypt s poultry firms have achieved self-sufficiency in poultry and eggs. Photo: Tuulikki Viilo

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) delegate of Egypt has submitted a self declaration of the absence of avian influenza. As a consequence poultry exports have been approved from Egypt, which were suspended in 2006 following an outbreak of bird flu. The authority for granting, suspending or revoking the status of a compartment lies with the national Veterinary Authority.

Egyptian companies that have shown no evidence of infection with avian influenza viruses will be able to resume exporting their products – including day-old chicks, table eggs, fertilised eggs and broiler chickens – for the first time in 14 years. Ahram Online reports that the move is expected to help boost poultry production, support the economy, and increase Egypt’s foreign reserves.

Isolated in the deserts

The farms free of avian flu are in the deserts. The isolated establishments system is an international mechanism recommended by the OEI to allow countries to export their poultry products, provided the facilities are free of epidemics. A total of 14 poultry facilities belonging to 8 of Egypt’s largest poultry firms, which have implemented epidemiological and biosecurity measures, have requested approval. According to the Minster of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, al-Sayed al-Qaseir, poultry firms have achieved self-sufficiency in poultry and eggs, and establishing giant projects in desert areas aims to increase investments and the efficiency of farms, Egypt Independent reports.

Track Avian Influenza Outbreaks

For more information on Avian Influenza news, research and outbreaks click here