MUSCAT: Issued under the authority of the Veterinary Quarantine Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 45/2004, alongside its Executive Regulations under Ministerial Resolution No. 107/2008, the newly enacted decision reflects concerted efforts to uphold animal welfare and safeguard public health. Acting on the recommendation of the competent veterinary authority, it introduces a prohibition on importing live birds and associated products from the Spanish region of Extremadura. This protective measure aligns with international biosecurity practices and reinforces the country’s readiness to respond swiftly to emerging veterinary risks, particularly those capable of cross-border transmission.
The decision formally stipulates a ban on importing live birds, their products, derivatives, and offal originating from Extremadura. The restriction will remain in place until the original causes necessitating this action have been effectively resolved. Once the relevant authorities confirm mitigation and safety, an official declaration will be issued to rescind the embargo. This approach ensures continued vigilance while allowing for flexibility should the animal health situation in the affected region improve to acceptable standards.
Despite the broad nature of the import ban, the decision outlines specific exceptions in line with international animal health guidelines. Products, derivatives, and offal that have undergone heat treatment or similar processing steps — consistent with standards specified by the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the International Office of Epizootics and the World Organization for Animal Health — may still be eligible for import. These exemptions are predicated on rigorous safety assurances, ensuring that processed items do not pose a threat to animal or public health even if originating from a region of concern.
Implementation of this decision is entrusted to the competent authorities whose roles encompass inspection, enforcement, and oversight of import procedures. Each agency is mandated to carry out the necessary measures within their jurisdiction to ensure full compliance. This includes surveillance at points of entry, verification of documentation, and coordination with relevant stakeholders in the import chain. The directive underscores the government’s commitment to preserving biosecurity and maintaining the highest standards of veterinary oversight across the country.
