Expert links zoonotic diseases to unhygienic meat processing methods

The prevalence of zoonotic diseases in the country has been attributed to unhygienic methods of meat processing across abattoirs.

The Chief Executive Officer of ABIS Farmers’ Market, Dr. Emmanuel Nelson Usman, disclosed this during the grand opening of its new branch at the Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos State.

The privately owned automated abattoir also has a section where fruits, vegetables and other packaged food items are sold at affordable prices.

While noting that unhealthy environment of the abattoirs in Nigeria forced him into changing the narrative, Usman, said, “The experience I had when I went to purchase cow at the Kara Abattoir made me understand that the meat we consume usually come from unhygienic environment.

“The Journey did not start today, I started making research six years ago by travelling to developed countries to see and learn how the business operates hygienically.

“Last year July, the project came into existence with the help of the Lagos State Government. We appreciate the Governor, the Commissioner of Agric and her team for granting us the big opportunity.”

He added that the aim of the company is to change the living standard of people and how people consume protein in the country.

“The essence of ABIS Farm is to provide quality protein for consumers. In ABIS, after buying the cows; we keep them for three months before slaughtering them. While waiting to slaughter them, we deworm them, give them vitamin C and feed them with special foods. Our veterinary doctors examine the meats before we begin to sell out to consumers and we convert the waste products from the animals to biogas for powering the system.”

On his part, Pastor Isaiah Amos, who is in charge of the branch, said he decided to go into agriculture business, which is different from his background to support the good health of the nation.” I decided to bring ABIS to Ago palace community to end the era of eating bad meat. I want my community to benefit from this project,” he said.

The United Nations Ambassador for Bilateral Agreement, Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, said of the project: “I am super excited about what ABIS Farmers’ Market is doing. I believe strengthening the government’s bilateral agreement will help the country a lot.