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Marrakech – Morocco has temporarily suspended the importation of poultry, eggs, and derived products from Portugal after the detection of a highly pathogenic bird flu outbreak near Lisbon. The decision follows confirmation of the H5N1 virus in a Portuguese duck farm.
The ban covers live poultry, meat, processed products, eggs, and animal feed from Portugal. Only thermally treated feed products capable of destroying the virus remain authorized for import, provided they come with an official health certificate.
In a correspondence to Portuguese authorities, Morocco’s National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) specified that this measure is provisional. Its duration will depend on the evolution of the epidemiological situation in Portugal.
The Portuguese Directorate-General of Health confirmed the outbreak at a laying hen farm near Lisbon. Additionally, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recently reported outbreaks in both Germany and Portugal, leading to the culling of thousands of birds.
According to WOAH, the H5N1 virus was detected in a flock of 257,650 fattening ducks in Samora Correia near Lisbon, resulting in 1,011 bird deaths. Migratory birds, particularly waterfowl, are considered the main vectors of the virus, increasing the risk of cross-border spread.
While the measure demonstrates Morocco’s health vigilance, it carries economic consequences. Portugal is among Morocco’s main suppliers of frozen poultry and hatching eggs, essential products for stabilizing domestic production.
Industry professionals fear a reduction in supply and price increases in the domestic market, which is already under pressure. Without a rapid substitution strategy, dependence on other markets such as Spain or Brazil could intensify.
Experts suggest that urgent support for local producers and diversification of supply sources are necessary to avoid a crisis in both prices and availability.
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