Anthrax: Butchers Call For Central Abattoir In Osun

BUTCHERS in Osun State have appealed to the state government to provide for them a central Aba oir for the preven on of dangerous diseases among ca le, especially the current outbreak of anthrax.

The Chairman of Osun Butchers Associa on, Sulaimon Adebimpe, made the call on Monday during a sensi sa on tour to butcher by officials of the state Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security at Sabo Market, Osogbo.

Adebimpe stressed that having a central ca le market in the state will assist both government and cattle sellers to prevent buying infected animals.

He appreciated the state government for taking proac ve measures in curbing the spread of the disease.

The Chairman said: “We appealed to Osun State government to provide for our members a Central Aba oir. This will go a long way in assis ng both the government and ca le sellers to prevent buying infected animals.

“I also want to appreciate the government for taking proac ve measures in curbing the spread of the disease (Anthrax) in Osun.”

Earlier, the Director, Veterinary Services Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,

Dr. Abosede Olatokun, had warned butchers in the state to stay away from the animals infected with the deadly disease, anthrax.

Olatokun explained that anthrax is a bacterial infec on that affects animal species like ca le, sheep, goats, camel, donkeys, horse, pigs and wildlife.

She noted that the present administra on priori ses the health and welfare of the people of the state, calling on the butchers to take cau on in order not to infect people with the disease.

“The disease has a forming bacterium known as Bacillus anthracis which primarily affects animals which can also affect human beings who come in direct contact with the infected animal either dead or living”, she stressed.

The Deputy Director in the department, Dr. Joseph Tanimowo revealed that some of the signs that may be seen on an infected animal, which may begin to manifest from one to eight weeks a er exposure to the anthrax spores are fever, chill, cough, muscle aches and weaknesses, chest discomfort and difficulty in breathing.

He said: “Affected animals are usually found dead without any signs of illness. Dark unclotted blood also flows from body openings like the nose, mouth, ear and anal region of the affected animals, also the carcass does not become s ff a er death.” report, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole AmeduOde said an asser ve and consistent implementa on of Nigeria’s war on drugs and cybercrime would mend the country’s reputa on in the global community.

Tanimowo counselled the butchers not to touch any animal showing signs of the disease, poin ng out that the dead or sick animal should be promptly reported to the veterinary authority for proper acon.

He assured that the state government has made provisions for the treatment of any infected animal that has not gone beyond control.

According to AmeduOde, “The offshoot of drug-related crime perpetrated by Nigerians abroad and a low-performing economy has brought us here.

“So, what we can do is to strengthen our moral fibre by rigorously implemen ng regulaons that shore up our standing globally.

“We must also ensure that the economy bounces back and becomes robust so well that our people are not vo ng with their feet. When fewer ci zens indulge in criminal acvi es across internaonal boundaries, and with these other steps I have men oned, I think we will bounce back. Anything short of this will be a waste of our me.”

The Public Rela ons Officer of the Nigeria Immigra on Service, Anthony Akuneme, said more beneficial bilateral agreements with more countries could open doors for Nigerians.

“It is a func on of reciprocity. If one country agrees that my cizens can come without needing a visa, I, too, will extend the same gesture to them”, he stated.