Health experts have cautioned Nigerians against eating animals that died before being properly butchered, noting that the consumption of such animals could lead to serious health complications.
The health experts stressed that the consumption of dead animals could also result in the contracting and spreading of zoonotic diseases to the human populace.
The experts also urged Nigerians to be wary of where they buy butchered animals for consumption, noting that dead animals could also be sold to unsuspecting consumers.
They stressed that these dead animals may be sold even at restaurants, noting that Nigerians must be careful where they buy their foods.
According to experts, cooking may not destroy the poison in dead animals.
Speaking with PUNCH HealthWise, the experts, a professor of Public Health, Dr. Tanimola Akande, and a veterinary doctor, Chidozie George, said the reason why eating dead animals is strongly frowned at, is not just because of religious beliefs but because of the public health implications of eating such animals.
Prof. Akande stated that when animals die, they no longer have any circulation maintaining tissues, muscles and organs.
This, he said, increases the chances for germs to increase without internal regulation, adding that these germs may become toxic.
“This is particularly so when the animal is not refrigerated or cooked immediately after its death,” he said.
He disclosed that some animals die as a result of diseases like tuberculosis, disclosing that they can still infect humans with this health when consumed. Some other zoonotic diseases can also be transmitted this way, he said.
“Some animals die as a result of poisoning. If such animals are consumed, those who consumed such animals may also be poisoned,” he warned.
On his part, the veterinary expert, Dr. Chidozie George, stated that even if such meats are grilled, the poisonous substance that killed the animals would not go away, adding that boiling the animal too may not take away the poison in it.
He cautioned farm owners against selling dead animals to Nigerians.
He said, “Farm owners should be wary of this and caution their attendants because most times it is the attendants that do this.
“They see this as an opportunity to make money. They sell to people who resell, particularly birds.”
“Considering my background and knowledge, I don’t eat chicken which I was not there when it was killed.
“Apart from established eateries that I know how they source their chicken; I don’t eat chicken outside except the one I was there when it was killed because you cannot tell.”
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