Enugu State Government Cracks Down on Sale of Dead Animals, Issues Warning and Announces Hotlines for Public Reporting
The Enugu State Government has issued a stern warning to butchers and poultry farmers, urging them to cease the sale of animals and chickens that have died from unknown causes.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, the Commissioner for Health, and Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Commissioner for Agriculture, announced potential sanctions for those involved in this practice. This directive comes in response to public reports indicating that deceased animals, some affected by flu and other diseases, were being sold in local meat markets.
To address the issue, the government has mobilized its public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance departments to investigate these reports thoroughly.
The Enugu State Government has condemned the sale of animals and chickens that have died from unknown causes, labeling the practice as unacceptable.
Prof. Ikechukwu Obi for Health and Mr. Patrick Ubru for Agriculture emphasized that consuming meat from deceased animals poses significant health risks.
State health officers are currently conducting inspections of livestock farms and abattoirs to curb the sale of animals that have died from unknown causes, with offenders facing penalties.
The government has reiterated that selling animals that have died under such circumstances, outside of approved preparation methods, constitutes a serious offense. The statement highlights that consuming meat from such sources poses severe health risks, including the potential transmission of zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transferred from animals to humans.
The government has called on the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of animals that have died from unknown causes. They warned that such practices could potentially lead to epidemics with serious health implications.
To facilitate reporting, the government has provided hotlines for the public to use: 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577, and 08033375344. Emphasizing the importance of vigilance in preventing health crises linked to the consumption of contaminated meat.
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