The Enugu State Government has issued a warning to butchers and poultry farmers to stop selling animals and chickens that died from unknown causes. The warning comes after a tip-off from the public that animals that died from flu and other diseases were being sold in meat markets.
The Commissioners for Health and Agriculture, Prof Ikechukwu Obi and Mr Patrick Ubru, stated that the practice is unacceptable and can have serious health implications. They warned that consuming dead animals can lead to zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The government has activated its public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance departments to investigate the information and has threatened sanctions against those engaging in the unhealthy practice. Health officers are now inspecting livestock farms and abattoirs to prevent the sale of dead animals.
The government urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions through designated hotlines. The sale of animals that died of unknown causes outside the normal methods of preparation is considered a serious crime, and offenders will face punishment.
The warning is aimed at preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health. The government is working to ensure that meat sold in markets is safe for consumption and to prevent epidemics that can have severe health consequences.
