PIG SLAUGHTERING IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: PECULIARITIES, ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND: Pig slaughtering methods influence the quality of pig products and also serves as a critical point for the control of zoonosis and other food-borne infections. This study aimed at assessing the peculiarities, the animal welfare concerns and the public health implications of pig slaughtering activities was conducted on three major abattoirs in Southwestern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on pre-slaughter handling, slaughtering and carcass processing were obtained by observation over a continuous 2-week period of normal abattoir activities in each abattoir by the authors. Structured questionnaires were administered and focus group interviews were conducted to obtain information from the abattoir workers and health officials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The pig slaughtering methods in the three locations vary considerably with some identified areas of animal welfare concerns which include inhumane transportation, restraining, lairaging, and stunning practices.s. These amount to excessive stress and poor animal welfare. The abattoir findings with public health implications include floor slaughtering, inadequate water supply, excessive biological intrusions, poor environmental hygiene, poor waste disposal and failure of abattoir workers to use protective clothing. The implications of the findings are discussed.