The state government of Enugu has strongly warned butchers and farmers raising chickens to stop selling animals and birds that have passed away from unidentified causes.
The Commissioners for Agriculture and Health, Mr. Patrick Ubru and Prof. Ikechukwu Obi, threatened to punish individuals who continued the unhealthy practice in a joint statement on Tuesday.
The public alerted authorities to the sale of animals in meat markets that had passed away from the flu and other illnesses, prompting the warning.
The government has reportedly requested that the information be looked into by its departments of disease surveillance, veterinary medicine, and public health.
The commissioners condemned the practice and cautioned that eating dead animals can have detrimental effects on one’s health.
“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.
The government warned the public that the act could result in epidemics of various forms with serious health repercussions, but it also urged people to stay alert and look out for such practices.
