The government of Enugu State, on Monday, cautioned butchers as well as poultry farmers against the sale of animals and chickens that died under mysterious circumstances to unsuspecting members of the public. The caution was contained in a press release co-signed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ikechukwu Obi, and that of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr Patrick Ubru. The state threatened to sanction any farmer or meat seller caught engaging in the unhealthy practice. This development followed some outcries by some members of the public that animals which died of flu and other zoonotic diseases had found their way into the meat market.
The state said it had activated its various agencies, including departments of public health, veterinary and local government disease surveillance, in addition to the notification officers to conduct investigations into the alleged practices. The commissioners, who described the alleged act as inhuman, explained that eating dead animals could lead to serious health complications for humans.
They added that culprits would not go unpunished as the state health officers were already visiting livestock farms and abattoirs for investigation. The release read in part, “The government reiterates that the sale of animals that died of unknown causes outside the normal methods of preparation is a serious crime.
“There are grave health risks associated with consuming such meat as it can lead to zoonotic diseases which are easily transmitted from animals to humans.”
They called on members of the public to be vigilant, noting that such an act could lead to epidemics. The commissioners therefore urged the public to report any suspicion through the following ministries’ hotlines – 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577 or 08033375344.
