Govt to destroy 6,400 imported chicks

Arusha. Authorities will destroy 6,400 chicks which were smuggled from Kenya into Tanzania through the Namanga Border Post in Longido District.

Police are holding Ms Mary Matia, the owner of the chicks worth Sh12.5 million.

Northern Zone veterinarian Obedi Nyasebwa told The Citizen that the aim was to curb outbreaks of animal diseases such as bird flu.

The government banned chick importation in 2007.

 “The chicks will be burned in accordance with Animal Diseases Act, 2003,” he said.

Namanga Border Post Tanzania Revenue Authority assistant manager Edwin Iwato said the owner of the vehicle that carried the chicks would be fined.

Speaking in police custody, Ms Matia said she was unaware of the chick import ban.

“I’m asking them not to destroy them. Instead they have to allow me to return them to Kenya where I’m required to pay the breeder Sh12.5 million.”

Senior veterinarian Medard Tarimo said complaints about chick smuggling had been rife. “They are mostly smuggled at night hours, endangering the health of Tanzanians since we know avian influenza has broken out in neighbouring Uganda.”