Morocco suspends poultry imports from the Netherlands after bird flu outbreaks
Morocco has suspended imports of poultry and poultry products from the Netherlands. The measure, which took effect on November 11, follows the emergence of new avian flu outbreaks at Dutch farms.
The ban covers birds of all species, live poultry, their meat and derived products. Rabat informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) in an emergency notification, registered under reference G/SPS/N/MAR/124. The suspension will remain in force until it is officially lifted.
An exception applies to poultry meat that has undergone heat treatment capable of destroying the virus. Its import remains authorized, provided a health certificate and a statement from the competent authorities confirming the treatment are presented.
In the Netherlands, two duck farms in Hierden, in the province of Gelderland, were infected. Authorities ordered the culling of 70 000 animals on November 9, followed by another 9 500 two days later. A 10-kilometer sanitary zone was established around the affected farms, with restrictions on the transport of poultry and eggs.
Morocco had reopened its market to Dutch poultry in June 2025, after a previous ban linked to avian flu. Imports then resumed with the health certificates required by both countries.
