Saudi Arabia gains WOAH recognition as free of dourine, boosting livestock trade and equestrian prospects

The World Organisation for Animal Health has officially recognised Saudi Arabia as free from dourine, enhancing its reputation for biosecurity and supporting international livestock trade and equestrian events.

The World Organisation for Animal Health has formally признed Saudi Arabia free of dourine, a contagious equine disease, after reviewing the Kingdom’s technical file and confirming it met the international criteria for disease-free status. The Saudi National Centre for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases, known as Weqaa, said the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of surveillance, field inspections and preventive controls across the country.

Dourine is one of several equine diseases that can affect horse health and, by extension, the wider racing and competition sector. In its statement, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the WOAH recognition should strengthen confidence in the veterinary system and support international trade in livestock-related services. It also pointed to the Kingdom’s ability to host major equestrian events.

The announcement follows a broader pattern of WOAH recognitions for Saudi Arabia, with authorities recently citing disease-free status for other equine conditions as evidence of tighter monitoring and more effective biosecurity. For policymakers and industry operators, the wider significance lies less in the label itself than in what it signals: a veterinary framework judged robust enough to support animal movement, competition and cross-border commerce. Authorities said monitoring and precautionary measures will continue.