Avoid contaminated animals the Osun government urges butchers

The Osun State Government has issued a warning to the state’s butchers, advising them to keep away from the animals that have been infected with the lethal anthrax disease.

During a tour of sensitization for the butchers at Sabo market, Osogbo, the State Capital, Dr. Abosede Olatokun, Director, Veterinary Services Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, issued the warning.

Olatokun identified butchers as one of the essential players in the state’s livestock business and described anthrax as a bacterial infection that affects a variety of animal species, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, horses, donkeys, pigs, and animals.

She emphasized that the state’s citizens’ health and welfare are a top priority for the current administration and urged the butchers to exercise caution to prevent the spread of disease.

The Bacillus anthracis bacteria that causes the disease primarily affects animals but can also infect humans who come into touch with an affected animal, either alive or dead.

Dr. Joseph Tanimowo, the department’s deputy director, revealed that some of the symptoms that may appear on an infected animal and may start to appear one to eight weeks after exposure to anthrax spores include fever, chills, coughs, muscle aches and weakness, chest discomfort, and breathing difficulties.

“In most cases, affected animals are discovered dead and unharmed. The nose, mouth, ear, and anal region of the affected animals all have dark unclothed blood flowing from them, and the carcass does not stiffen after death.

He advised the butchers to refrain from handling any animals exhibiting symptoms of the disease and emphasized the need to immediately report any dead or ill animals to the veterinary authority for appropriate action.

He gave the assurance that the State Government has plans in place for the care of any diseased animals that hadn’t gotten out of hand.

Adebimpe Suleiman, the chairman of the Osun Butchers Association, responded and thanked the state government for acting quickly to stop the disease’s spread in Osun.

Adebimpe, however, urged the state government to establish a central abattoir, noting that establishing a cattle market in the state would help the government and livestock merchants avoid purchasing diseased animals.