In a concerning development, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has issued an alert regarding a poisoning incident at the cattle market near the College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies in Adewole, Kwara State.
According to a report from the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a herd mortality occurred at the market on April 20, 2024. The investigation revealed that the animals had grazed on forage that had been fumigated with an organophosphate chemical prior to the incident.
The affected animals exhibited clinical signs such as hypersalivation, weakness, and recumbency. Tragically, seven of the most severely affected animals were slaughtered by herders for public consumption, posing a significant public health risk.
The FMAFS statement emphasized the potential for severe consequences within the food chain due to this incident. However, the ministry noted that a Rapid Response Team (RRT) is in place in every state, comprising federal epidemiology officers, state directors of veterinary services, and state epidemiology officers, who have been trained by the FMAFS to handle such emergencies.
In this case, the Kwara State RRT, in collaboration with the state government’s task force, quickly swung into action. They were able to trace and confiscate the meat from the slaughtered animals, which were then disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.
Additionally, 40 suspected poisoned animals were treated with organophosphate antidotes, and they responded with marked improvement in their health, leading to recovery.
The ministry’s prompt intervention and the coordinated effort between the federal and state authorities have been crucial in mitigating the potential public health crisis arising from this incident. The FMAFS has assured the public that the situation is under control and that the necessary measures have been taken to safeguard the safety of the food supply.
