Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has issued strict regulations for the import of live birds after a recent decision to lift the ban on the import of all types of birds except amphibians, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It said no permission would be granted for the import of waterfowls, such as ducks, geese and flamingos.
Dr. Osama Saleh, general manager of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Department at the ministry, said the terms and conditions include the farm in the country of origin should be free from bird flu or any other contagious diseases for at least 12 months before the date of shipment.
It is also to be ascertained the area or zone where the birds are reared are free from bird flu since their hatching or at least 21 days before hatching. The consignment of birds shall be subjected to clinical and laboratory tests to ensure that they are free from any contagious diseases at least 14 days before the shipment. The birds shall be transported in special sterilized cages in the line with the Kingdom’s regulations in this regard. All the ornamental birds shall carry leg rings or electronic chips containing particulars of the bird.
Saleh said the importer shall present a request to his department with all details about the designated birds, including their type, scientific name, numbers, origin of the country of import, entry point and the like. Regarding import of ornamental birds, the department will verify whether these birds would include in the list of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals.
If they are not included in the list, permission will be granted for direct import. If birds are included in the CITES list, the importer will be directed to approach the Saudi Wildlife Authority to obtain a license. The imported consignment of birds will be put in mobile quarantines at the entry point and they will be delivered only after completion of the process of laboratory tests.
The importer shall also specify the port of entry as determined by the department. The conditions also include submission of documents such as veterinary certificate, certificate of origin, and certificate stating the facility (farm) licensed by the competent authorities in the country of origin. Quarantine laws and executive bylaws in the Kingdom and other Gulf Cooperation Council states will also be applicable to all bird imports.
