From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has warned traders against sale of animals for food in local markets, especially avians that died of unknown causes.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Agro-industrialization, Patrick Ubru gave the warning during an unscheduled inspection of Garki poultry market, Enugu, yesterday.
Ubru noted that the veterinary department of the ministry, in collaboration with the local government disease surveillance and notification officers, conducted an investigation following reports of such practices in markets in the state.
“The Enugu State Government is issuing a stern warning against the sale of animals that have died of unknown causes, particularly poultry, in local markets for food. The government reiterates that the sale of animals for food that died of unknown causes outside the normal methods of preparation is a serious crime and will not be tolerated.
“It emphasised the grave health risks associated with consuming such meat, as it can lead to zoonotic diseases, which are easily transmitted from animals to humans. This act can lead to epidemics of varying magnitude with severe public health consequences and economic losses to individuals, families and the state in general,” Ubru said.
The government urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected cases of sick or dead animals being sold in markets or other locations to the veterinary desk officers in the local government areas or the nearest veterinary clinics.
