The Oyo State Government, in its quest to sanitize the poultry industry, has recommended standard operating procedures (SOP) for poultry processors to avert zoonotic diseases and ensure public health in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, while presenting the SOP to the Chairman, Association of Poultry Processors, Oyo State Chapter, and his members in his office, noted that the regulations would cover all aspects of poultry processing, from the procurement of chicken to slaughtering, as well as transportation and packaging.
Olaleye pointed out that 90 percent of human diseases were contracted from animals (zoonotic), hence the need for the state to embark on an aggressive campaign to ensure the safety of the lives of the citizenry and eradicate zoonotic diseases and quackery in the poultry business and slaughter houses.
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He disclosed that monitoring of the activities of slaughters and those in the animal business had also begun, while emphasizing that all chicken plants and chicken slaughter houses must have been accredited and licensed before the commencement of operations, according to Section 5(1) of the Oyo State Meat Law.
“The law says the controlling authority or any other person wishing to establish a slaughter house shall make an application in the prescribed form to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, for the registration of such a slaughter house.” Olaleye said
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The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Christianah Abioye, remarked on her own that the move was not to put hardship on members of the association but to help the government ascertain their data, as this would grant them access to the government’s support.
Also speaking was the Chairman, Association of Poultry Processors, Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Balogun Aboidun, who pledged the readiness of the union to support the government, commending the state government for supporting the association and for its efforts in eradicating zoonotic disease.
