Following a tip-off from the general public that dead animals were being sold in the market, the government of Enugu State has issued a stern warning to butchers and poultry farmers to desist from the unhealthy practice.
The government said sale of animals that died from flu and other diseases constitute a serious crime and warned those doing so of severe punishment.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Commissioners for Health and Agriculture, Prof Ikechukwu Obi and Mr Patrick Ubru on Tuesday.
The statement revealed that the government has activated its public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance departments to investigate the information.
It further said the practice was unacceptable, warning that serious health implications could arise from consuming dead animals.
“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 commissioners called on the members of the public to remain vigilant and watch out for such practices.
The practice, the state government argued, could result in epidemics of varying magnitude with severe health consequences.
