Physicians are cautioning Nigerians against consuming meat from sick animals due to economic challenges, warning of potential infectious diseases that could pose serious health risks.

They advised that regardless of the affordability, it is crucial to steer clear of meat from diseased animals as they may harbor infectious agents leading to illness.

Health experts highlighted the risks associated with consuming meat from sick animals like rams and cows, which could potentially spread diseases such as beef tapeworm infections, bovine tuberculosis, and anthrax.

On the occasion of Id-el-Kabir, some cattle sellers revealed to Wakadaily that Nigerians are opting for sick animals due to the high cost of sacrificial animals.

Wakadaily learnt that,Buyers expressed concerns over the steep prices of rams at various markets, with many unable to afford the sacrificial animals for the festive celebration.

Cattle sellers at Kara market in Ogun State mentioned that individuals seeking cheaper options may resort to buying sick livestock, prompting warnings from public health experts against such practices.

They stressed the need to prioritize health over financial constraints.

Professor Tanimola Akande, a Consultant Public Health Physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, emphasized the risk of zoonotic infections from sick animals, cautioning that viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins could all be transmitted through consumption of meat from diseased animals.

He noted that individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to various forms of infections, including those from sick animals.

He noted, “General people with compromised immunity are more prone to most forms of infections, including infection from sick cattle. Their immune system may not be strong enough to fight the germs and are therefore more likely to show symptoms and signs of infections transmitted from sick cattle.

“The chances of transmitting infection from sick cattle to man is very high when such meat is consumed and more so when not properly cooked.

“There are several types of infection that can be transmitted when sick animals are consumed. The viral infections include the Bovine viral diarrhoea virus, Rift Valley fever, and Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The bacterial infections include Bovine Tuberculosis, brucellosis, Salmonella, and E. Coli, among others.”

On how to identify sick cattle, the doctor elaborated, “Sick cattle often look wasted, sluggish, may have swellings or lumps, hair loss, among others.”

He urged Nigerians to source animal protein from other sources like chicken, pork, fish, and eggs.

“There are some plant sources of protein like beans, walnuts, soya beans, locust beans, among several others,” he highlighted.

Dr. Solomon Olorunfemi, a senior registrar at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, cautioned that eating meat from sick cattle can have serious health consequences.

He emphasized the importance of consumers being aware of the potential presence of harmful pathogens like Mycobacterium bovis and Bacillus anthracis in meat from diseased animals, and the need for vigilance to avoid severe health repercussions.

“Consuming meat from sick cattle can result in several health risks due to the potential presence of harmful pathogenic organisms and toxins.

“Some of the key risks include beef tapeworm infection ( also known as Taeniasis ) which manifests as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.

“You can also suffer from Bovine Tuberculosis which manifests as fever, cough, weight loss, drenching night sweats, etc.

“Consuming sick meat can also cause anthrax disease which can affect the skin, respiratory system, alimentary tract, and brain and cause debilitating health problems in those places.

“Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted from animal to man. This could occur through different means such as consumption of contaminated animals, contact with the blood or body fluid of the infected animals, or bite by an infected animal.

“The chance of contracting a cattle-related zoonotic disease is very high when individuals consume sick cattle,” he said.

On what people who could not afford cattle should do, the doctor highlighted, “My advice to those who cannot afford healthy cattle due to economic constraints is for them to count the cost and make the right choice.

“If you say because you are financially constrained and then buy sick cattle and consume when the consequences of that unfold, you may end up looking for the money you don’t have to take care of your health. So, let’s be careful.

“Beef is not the only source of protein. Alternatively, other protein sources such as fish, goat, chicken, etc. can be explored. It is better to go for other sources of protein that are healthy than to run after unhealthy cattle that will bring danger to our health. Remember, health is wealth.”