The Federal and Ogun State Governments, have taken a step further to reduce the high incidence of zoonotic diseases, which are being transmitted from animal to human.

          The indication emerged, at a day training organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), for Ogun State abattoir workers on Bio-security and Bio-containment Protocols, at the Veterinary Hospital Complex, Ita-Eko, Abeokuta.

          Speaking, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, said the training was necessitated by the need to curb the recurrence of zoonotic diseases and correct the wrongs in the abattoirs, so as to ensure production of healthy and quality food.

          Abubakar, represented by the Zonal Director, FMARD, Engr. Ganiyu Oseni, noted that most diseases that ravage mankind were contracted from animals, especially livestock that lack proper bio-security, enjoining operators of abattoirs and slaughter slabs in the State to imbibe hygienic practices towards ensuring healthy livestock and safe meat consumption for the people.

          On his part, the Director of Veterinary Services, Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, said the training was initiated to ensure that meat from slaughter slabs across the State meet standard and safe for human consumption.

         Dr. Jolaoso urged butchers to take proper care of their tools and animals slaughtered for human consumption, saying meat processed under hygienic conditions would prevent diseases that are transmitted from animals to man.

          In his presentation, a resource person, Dr. Tayo Mokuolu, highlighted the importance of safety and hygienic methods of slaughtering animals, saying personal, environmental and animal hygiene, as well as sterilisation of tools, would go a long way in bringing down all kinds of microbial diseases.

          Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mr. Tijani Muhammed commended the effort of the government, assuring that abattoir and slaughter slab operators would work in line with the stipulated guidelines.