Day-Old Chick Imports via Zanzibar Raise Serious Concerns as Minister Signals Crackdown

The issue of day-old chick imports entering mainland Tanzania through Zanzibar emerged as a central concern during the recent stakeholder engagement with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

Industry representatives, led by Tanzania Commercial Poultry Association (TCPA), raised alarm over a growing pattern in which poultry consignments are imported under transit permits designated for Zanzibar but are subsequently diverted and offloaded into mainland markets without authorization.

This practice, stakeholders noted, not only undermines formal market structures but also exposes the domestic poultry industry to significant biosecurity risks. Of particular concern is the potential introduction and spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza through unregulated and unmonitored distribution channels.

Compounding the risk is the current transit route used for these consignments. The corridor—running from Mbeya through Morogoro to Dar es Salaam—cuts directly across one of the country’s most intensive poultry production belts, where both commercial operations and smallholder farmers are heavily concentrated.

Key concerns raised include:

  • Unauthorized diversion of transit consignments into mainland markets
  • Breakdown in enforcement and escort integrity
  • Elevated risk of disease transmission across major production zones
  • Market distortion affecting compliant local producers

In response, the Minister delivered a firm and pointed position on the matter. He acknowledged that all transit consignments are officially escorted and noted that any unauthorized offloading implies complicity or negligence within the enforcement chain.

He issued a strong warning to officials responsible for overseeing such movements, emphasizing that breaches of protocol would be treated as matters of integrity and accountability within the Ministry.

The Minister committed to the following actions:

  • Strengthening border control mechanisms
  • Tightening enforcement of transit permit compliance
  • Addressing integrity gaps within inspection and escort systems

This issue is expected to remain a priority area for regulatory action, particularly given its implications for both sector stability and national biosecurity.