SALES OF DEAD COW BEEF: Orashi Region Residents Call For Gov’t Assistance
2 min read
by Romanghan John
Residents of Orashi region, especially Abua/ Odual, Ahoada East and West local government areas of Rivers State, Nigeria have called on government to stop the sales of dead cow beef in the abattoir at Ahoada Town.
The call which was made by concerned persons who craved anonymity alleged that the act is becoming alarming due to the health hazards associated with it.
They claim that no week passes without the beef of a dead cow being sold for human consumption, and questioned the seeming absence of government veterinary doctors and other health workers statutorily required to check the fitness of the cows.
BochNews investigation confirmed the act of sales of dead cows’ beef in Ahoada market, as sent from the slabs of the abattoir.
Our inquest further revealed that cows and other consumable animals are not formally checked by the appropriate authorities before being slaughtered.
It was further discovered that combustible plastics were used to burn the skin and hairs of slaughtered animals which is against the law, this is coupled with the unhealthy environment the process takes place.
Findings further revealed that these unhygienic and hazardous acts could be harmful to human health.
A Public Health Practitioner who craved anonymity said the sales of dead cow beef and use of combustible plastics to burn their skins and hides could cause tuberculosis, anthrax and brucellosis to humans and also lead to environmental pollution.
When BochNews contacted the Ahoada East Local Government Area Supervisor On Health, Hon Austine Ameka, he said; “No body has contacted nor informed me of issues like you raised. Thank you for bringing it to me. From next week, I will go to the market and abattoir to see things for myself.”
The absence of an association overseeing activities of both marketers and sellers of cow and goats may be responsible for this hazardous exposure of members of the public from findings.
