Consuming Animal Blood Raises Concerns Of Potential Anthrax Resurgence, Warns Expert Panel

Consuming Animal Blood Raises Concerns Of Potential Anthrax Resurgence, Warns Expert Panel....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Experts in food and animal science have warned about the potential risks associated with the consumption of animal blood as meat, particularly from diseased animals, raising concerns about the possibility of anthrax outbreaks and other zoonotic diseases…….CONTINUE READING

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an anthrax outbreak in a mixed livestock farm in Niger State in July 2023. Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria, can affect both humans and animals and can be transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and other products from affected animals.

Zoonosis, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans. With over 200 types of zoonoses, these diseases constitute a significant portion of both new and existing human illnesses.

According to Feedipedia, a resource on animal feed, blood collected during the slaughter of various livestock species is often dried through methods such as solar, oven, drum, flash, and spray drying.

Certain tribes in Nigeria have cultural practices involving the processing and consumption of animal blood as meat. While animal blood is a good source of protein and iron, experts express concerns about the potential transmission of animal-to-human diseases associated with such practices.

Prof. Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, President of the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative (CAFSANI), emphasized the health risks associated with consuming animal blood as meat. He highlighted the importance of proper handling, processing, and cooking of blood to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Ogunmoyela acknowledged the nutritional value of blood but cautioned against the consumption of raw blood. He also mentioned that blood meal, a byproduct of blood processing, is commonly used in animal feeds and compound fertilizers.

Despite the cultural and religious significance of consuming animal blood in some communities, Ogunmoyela warned about the potential harm of excessive blood meal consumption, leading to conditions like hemochromatosis due to the high iron content.

Muhammad-Bashir Bolajoko, Assistant Director and Veterinary Preventive Medicine Consultant at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, explained that while the consumption of animal blood as meat is prevalent in certain cultures, it is considered a taboo in others. Bolajoko highlighted the importance of hygienic blood collection from healthy animals to ensure safety.

He acknowledged that some fractions of animal blood are used in human medicine but emphasized that the cultural and religious beliefs associated with blood consumption should be considered. Bolajoko warned that consuming blood, especially from sick animals, could expose individuals to zoonotic diseases like anthrax.

In conclusion, the experts stressed the need for caution in the consumption of animal blood as meat, advocating for proper handling, processing, and cooking to mitigate the risks associated with potential zoonotic diseases and foodborne illnesses.

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