A large shipment of 41,700 broiler chicks smuggled into Burkina Faso was intercepted in Ouagadougou on Monday, November 9, 2026. The operation was carried out by the Directorate General of Veterinary Services, with the support of the National Gendarmerie, as part of the fight against fraudulent imports of products of animal origin.
This seizure comes at a time when the importation of broiler chicks is subject to a ban decreed by the Ministry of Animal Resources. Despite this measure, some operators continue to bring these birds into the country outside of authorized channels.
For veterinary services, this practice is not only a commercial offense, but also a health threat to the country's livestock. Indeed, the fraudulently imported chicks escape veterinary controls and health monitoring, risking the introduction of diseases into the national herd.
The fate of the 41,700 chicks now depends on the results of laboratory analyses undertaken to check their health status and detect any possible avian diseases.
The Director of Veterinary Public Health and Legislation, Dr. Kadré Sanfo, also points out that national production capacity has been assessed and is sufficient to meet market demand. He therefore encourages breeders to prioritize chicks from approved establishments, which are subject to regular inspections.
Beyond protecting livestock, the authorities also want to safeguard the investments of those involved in the poultry industry. The introduction of chicks of dubious quality can lead to significant losses for farmers and jeopardize their operations.
Through this operation, the authorities intend to enforce the existing ban and protect a national poultry industry facing the health and economic risks of clandestine supply chains.
Djamila Kambou
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