Abattoirs as meat safety and disease surveillance points in Nigeria: The case of Ikpa slaughterhouse, Nsukka, Nigeria

Abattoirs are imperative surveillance points for early detection, monitoring and disease control along the meat supply chain. However, their function in  this regard has remained underdeveloped in Nigeria even in the midst of pre-disposing factors of disease spread. In view of this, a descriptive study on  the status of Ikpa slaughterhouse, Nsukka on the provision of physical facilities and the competency of workers for adequate meat inspection, good  hygiene practices and waste management were evaluated by observation and interview of key stakeholders. Dilapidated facilities, poor waste management, poor knowledge and attitudes of butchers on hygiene and zoonosis as identified, pose limitations for meat inspection, hygiene standards  and disease reporting practice at Ikpa slaughterhouse, Nsukka, Nigeria. The slaughterhouse is of very poor standard as a meat safety and disease  surveillance point, hence the urgent need for the establishment of a contemporary abattoir, regular training and equipping of skilled staff to the ideals of  abattoirs as meat safety and disease surveillance points in Nigeria.