The Enugu State Government has issued a strong warning to butchers and poultry farmers to stop selling animals and chickens that died from unknown causes.
A joint statement on Tuesday by the Commissioners for Health and Agriculture, Prof Ikechukwu Obi and Mr Patrick Ubru threatened sanctions against those engaging in the unhealthy practice.
The warning followed a tip-off from the public that animals that died from flu and other diseases were being sold in meat markets.
According to the statement, the government has activated its public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance departments to investigate the information.
Describing the practice as unacceptable, the commissioners warned that consuming dead animals can have serious health implications.
“State health officers are now inspecting livestock farms and abattoirs to prevent this practice, and offenders will face punishment.
“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”, the statement noted.
While calling on members of the public to remain vigilant and watch out for such practices, the government said the act could lead to epidemics of varying magnitude with severe health consequences.
The statement also urged the general public to report suspicion through the following ministries’ hotlines – 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577 or 08033375344.