Public urged to avoid unsafe meat

The public has been advised against consuming meat from animals that have died from diseases, particularly in light of the current outbreak of lumpy skin disease in the northern parts of the country, which has claimed the lives of several cattle.

This is according to Dr Rauna Athingo, the chief veterinarian for the North West Animal Disease Control Division, who stated that it is not recommended to consume meat from any animal that has died from a disease, as it could pose a risk to health.

“In essence, one should not eat meat from an animal that died of any disease, whether it's communicable or non-communicable, because the animal is not healthy,” she said.

“I think even from the health perspective we don't recommend for someone to eat meat coming from an animal that is not slaughtered.”

Last year, the agriculture ministry announced outbreaks of lumpy skin disease in various regions, with many cattle having succumbed to the rapidly spreading disease.

Lumpy skin disease is a vector-borne viral illness, which can be fatal in some cases. It is characterised by nodules or lumps on the skin and other parts of the body and is typically transmitted through insect bites.

Concerns raised

Meanwhile, the outbreak is affecting businesses.

However, with the sale of kapana, a booming business in the northern parts of the country, sources have informed Namibian Sun that some opportunistic farmers are allegedly selling meat from animals that have died from the disease.

These individuals are allegedly deceiving meat sellers, putting consumers at risk with what has been described as a dangerous practice.

“With the government not regulating the safety of meat products being sold on the streets, small businesses and open markets, there is a huge possibility for opportunistic people to sell their meat that comes from animals that have died of diseases in order to recoup their investment,” a source remarked.

Be proactive

Meanwhile, Athingo urged farmers to have their livestock vaccinated regularly, emphasising that the government offers free vaccination programmes.

“I think we need to teach our people to take precautionary measures. Have the animal vaccinated, and it should be vaccinated on time,” she urged.

Athingo noted that, because vaccines are procured from other countries, there might be delays in vaccinating all cattle on time through the government programme. Therefore, she appealed to those with the resources to procure the vaccines and vaccinate their livestock.

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