Livestock imports in Saudi Arabia: A precaution expands import destinations

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaa) continues its tireless efforts to strengthen the Kingdom's biosecurity system. It recently announced comprehensive updates to regulate and expand livestock imports into Saudi Arabia from 40 different countries and poultry imports from 90 countries, through the implementation of a comprehensive package that includes 119 stringent health measures. This step comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to secure food supply chains and reduce the risks of transboundary diseases that could threaten local livestock.

Strict standards for regulating livestock imports in Saudi Arabia

The Weqaa Center explained that ongoing technical assessments of exporting countries are a cornerstone of protecting public and animal health in the Kingdom. Import decisions are based on rigorous scientific studies and a comprehensive analysis of risks and the epidemiological situation in exporting countries. These criteria include evaluating the efficiency of disease surveillance and early reporting systems, the level of transparency in international notification, and examining the diagnostic capabilities of veterinary laboratories and the extent to which those countries adhere to international standards issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Strategic context and food security within Vision 2030

These measures are part of a broader national strategy aimed at achieving sustainable food security, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Historically, the Middle East region has faced persistent challenges related to transboundary animal diseases, necessitating a specialized regulatory body like the Weqaa Center to directly oversee entry points and ensure the safety of imports. By diversifying import sources and expanding their geographical reach, the Kingdom ensures price stability and the availability of red meat and animal products throughout the year, particularly during major religious seasons such as Hajj and Eid al-Adha, when demand peaks.

A broad geographical map of animal imports

According to official statistics issued by the center, strategic efforts have succeeded in adopting 119 procedures for animal health certification, in addition to assessing 29 countries as reliable sources of import in the current phase. The approved destinations include:

• Livestock: Imports are permitted from 40 countries around the world.
• Birds: The approved list included 90 countries.
• Falcons: Imports have been approved from 95 global destinations.
• Horses: The scope of imports has expanded to include 71 countries.
• Hatching eggs and chicks: topped the list with 132 countries subject to strict health controls.

The regional and international impact of the "prevention" decisions

The impact of these measures extends beyond the Saudi domestic market to include regional and international markets. As one of the world's largest importers of live animals, the Kingdom's stringent health standards compel exporting countries to develop their veterinary systems to meet Saudi requirements, thereby contributing to improved animal health globally. This expansion also enhances the resilience of the Saudi economy in the face of global logistical crises by providing diverse import alternatives that prevent shortages in local markets and support regional food security.