The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has issued a warning to Nigerians about an outbreak of poisoning in trade animals at Mandate Cattle Market, near the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies in Adewole, Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to a report from the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, several animals died at the market on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The investigation revealed that these animals had grazed on forage that had been treated with an organophosphate chemical prior to the incident.
The report indicated that affected animals displayed symptoms such as excessive salivation, weakness, and inability to stand. In response, the herders slaughtered seven of the severely affected animals for public consumption.
In a statement signed by Mr. Peter Temitope Fashedemi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, it was emphasized that consuming such meat poses significant health risks, which could have severe consequences for the food chain.
“However, it is important to note that there is a Rapid Response Team (RRT) in every state, composed of a Federal Epidemiology Officer, State Director of Veterinary Services, and State Epidemiology Officer, who have been trained by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to handle emergencies like this.”
“In this instance, the RRT in Kwara State, in collaboration with the State Government’s task force, quickly acted to trace and confiscate the meat from the slaughtered animals, which was then disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.”
The statement also mentioned that 40 suspected poisoned animals were treated with organophosphate antidotes and showed significant improvement in their health, leading to their recovery.
Other actions taken included cleaning and disinfecting the abattoir where the carcasses were processed, raising public awareness about the dangers of consuming meat from affected animals, and collecting blood and tissue samples for laboratory testing and analysis.
To prevent future incidents, the Ministry advised Nigerians of the dangers of consuming unwholesome meat and other animal products contaminated with organophosphates.
“Meat for human consumption should be purchased at registered, government or private approved locations such as abattoirs, slaughter slabs, and meat shops. These products must be certified as wholesome and fit for consumption by a registered veterinarian.”
“Meat from dead animals is unwholesome and should not be consumed.”
“A withdrawal period of 14-21 days after the application of drugs or chemicals to animals should be strictly observed before products from such animals are deemed fit for consumption.”
“Dead animals should be properly disposed of by veterinarians and environmental health officers.”
“Report any diseased or suspected diseased animals to the nearest veterinary clinic, hospital, or animal health service provider.”
“People who need to apply chemicals to open farmlands or fields should notify their host communities to prevent grazing animals on such fields for at least one week.”
ALSO READ:We’ll Begin N30,000 Minimum Wage Payment In June, Zamfara Gov Declares
The Ministry assured the public that it will continue to work with State Veterinary Services through its Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services to ensure the best veterinary and agricultural practices are followed, focusing on disease prevention, pest control, and hazard management to enhance animal welfare and ensure the availability of wholesome food of animal origin.
