Permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Peter Fashedemi has raised an alert on the outbreak of poison in trade animals at Mandate Cattle Market in Ilorin, Kwara State.
In a statement released and seen by ait.live, Fashedemi said a report from Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed mortality in herd occurred at the market, and the outcome of investigation revealed that animals had grazed on forage that was fumigated with organophosphate chemicals.
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The report further stated that clinical signs observed were hypersalivation, weakness, and recumbency.
On noticing this, the herders decided to slaughter 7 of the very weakly affected animals for public consumption which has huge public health risks and possible severe consequences.
This statement also said 40 suspected poisoned animals were treated with organophosphate antidotes, who responded with marked improvement in their health.
Fashedemi assured Nigerians that the ministry is taking necessary steps to prevent any spread of illnesses among trade animals.
Editor: Oloyede Oworu
