The Federal Government has issued a public alert regarding a poisonous outbreak affecting animals at Mandate Cattle Market in Kwara State.
Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja. He revealed that the animals were poisoned by grazing on forage that had been treated with organophosphate chemicals.
Incident Details
The Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that the poisoning incident occurred on April 20, resulting in cattle mortality. Clinical signs observed included hypersalivation and weakness. In response, herders slaughtered seven of the severely affected animals for public consumption, posing significant public health risks.
Government Response
The Rapid Response Team (RRT), consisting of Federal Epidemiology Officers, State Directors of Veterinary Services, and State Epidemiology Officers, has been activated in all states. In Kwara State, the RRT collaborated with the State Government’s Task Force to trace, confiscate, and safely dispose of the contaminated meat.
Recovery Efforts
Efforts to treat 40 suspected poisoned animals with organophosphate antidotes have shown positive results, with improvements in their health and subsequent recovery.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of poisoned animals to the relevant authorities to prevent further public health risks.
