Enugu warns butchers, farmers against selling animals that died from unknown causes
The Enugu State Government has issued a strong warning to butchers and farmers about selling animals that died from unknown causes. The government is taking a firm stance against this practice to prevent the spread of diseases.
On Tuesday, September 10, a statement from Commissioner for Health Professor Ikechukwu Obi and Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation Patrick Ubru stressed the importance of avoiding the sale of such animals.
They are concerned about the potential spread of infectious diseases through the consumption of meat from animals that have died due to illness.
The warning came after public complaints about animals that died from flu and other diseases being sold in the meat market. In response, the state has activated its public health, veterinary, and local government disease surveillance teams to investigate these reports.
The commissioners emphasized that eating meat from animals that died from unknown causes can pose serious health risks. They assured the public that the state health officers are actively inspecting farms and abattoirs to enforce this rule.
“The sale of animals that died from unknown causes, outside the proper methods of preparation, is a serious crime,” the statement read. “Such meat can carry zoonotic diseases, which can easily spread from animals to humans.”
The commissioners urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity. They warned that such practices could lead to outbreaks of diseases with severe health impacts.
For reporting suspicious activities, the public can contact the ministries using the following hotlines: 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577, or 08033375344.
In July, the Veterinary Department of the State Ministry of Agriculture discovered vendors selling uninspected and dead animals as meat at the Afo Awkunanaw Gariki Market.
