Yes, backyard chicken ownership is generally legal in Egypt, but compliance hinges on municipal and veterinary health regulations. The Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) and local governorates impose restrictions to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks and urban nuisances. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Animal Health Law (Law No. 51 of 1969) tighten biosecurity protocols, requiring mandatory registration of poultry flocks exceeding 20 birds.
Key Regulations for Keeping Backyard Chickens in Egypt
- Veterinary Registration: Flocks must be registered with the MALR’s General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS) under Decree No. 143 of 2021. Unregistered poultry are subject to culling during disease surveillance campaigns.
- Urban Zoning Restrictions: Governorates like Cairo and Giza prohibit chicken coops in residential zones without prior approval from the local Hayy (neighborhood) council. Violations incur fines up to EGP 50,000 (≈$1,600).
- Biosecurity Mandates: Coops must adhere to MALR’s 2025 National Poultry Biosecurity Guidelines, including fenced enclosures, waste disposal systems, and monthly veterinary inspections. Non-compliance triggers immediate confiscation under Law No. 12 of 2023 on Animal Welfare.
Local authorities in Upper Egypt and rural governorates enforce fewer restrictions but require compliance with MALR’s Avian Influenza Control Plan, which mandates vaccination for backyard flocks in high-risk zones. Failure to report disease symptoms (e.g., respiratory distress) constitutes a criminal offense under the Animal Health Law.