Enugu Gov’t Cautions Against Sale, Consumption of Dead Animals

The Enugu State Government has issued a strong warning to butchers and poultry farmers to refrain from selling animals and chickens that died of unknown causes.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioners for Health and Agriculture, Prof. Ikechukwu Obi and Mr. Patrick Ubru, threatened to impose sanctions on those involved in the unhealthy practice.

The warning came after the people complained that animals that had died from flu and other related diseases were being sold in meat markets.

According to the statement, the government has mobilised its public health, veterinary, and disease surveillance departments to investigate the information.

The commissioners condemned the practice as unacceptable, warning that consuming dead animals can pose serious health risks.

The commissioners considered the practice unacceptable, warning that eating dead animals can have severe health consequences.

“State health personnel are currently examining livestock farms and slaughterhouses to end this practice and punish the offenders.

“The government announced that selling animals that died of unknown causes outside the normal methods of preparation is illegal and dangerous. There are serious health risks associated with eating such meat, as it can lead to zoonotic diseases, which are easily spread from animals to humans," says the statement.

While urging the people to remain vigilant and watch out for such practices, the government affirmed the act could cause an outbreak of varying magnitude with severe health consequences.

The statement also advised the public to report any suspicious activity related to the sale of illegal meat by calling the following hotlines: 08037178703, 08066865511, 08037431577, or 08033375344.