Traders in Lagos State are being investigated by the government for the repackaging and sale of chickens that were killed by rodents.
This investigation was prompted by a report from PUNCH Healthwise that highlighted this concerning practice.
Dr. Mary Ogunleye, a Deputy Director at the Ministry of Agriculture in the state, mentioned that the Ministry, in collaboration with other stakeholders, is looking into the matter to safeguard the residents’ lives and take action against the traders involved.
According to Ogunleye, “I am reaching out regarding a story titled, ‘Cheap poison: How Lagos traders repackage, sell dead chickens after rodent attacks’ published by PUNCH Healthwise on Sunday, August 11, 2024. We are conducting an investigation and require information on the specific markets and their locations to focus our efforts.”
PUNCH Healthwise uncovered that traders in Lagos were repackaging and selling dead chickens to unsuspecting residents, a practice borne out of dealing with rodent attacks affecting their businesses.
This report revealed that due to economic difficulties, vulnerable residents were purchasing these dead chickens as they couldn’t afford live ones, with wooden cages in the bird markets making the chickens susceptible to rodent attacks.
Health experts warned that selling these infected chickens could pose a risk of a Lassa fever outbreak, as the virus could be transmitted from infected rats to the chickens sold for consumption.
Ogunleye assured that the outcomes of the investigation would be shared with PUNCH Healthwise once concluded.
She mentioned, “Our Veterinary Department is actively investigating and will provide our findings soon. We need some time to reach out to all stakeholders involved in various locations before concluding the investigation.”
Regarding the issue of modern cages, Ogunleye explained that the Lagos State government was supporting livestock farmers and bird sellers by providing such cages through their associations and cooperatives, not on an individual basis.
“The government doesn’t give individual farmers modern cages directly. This support is channeled through associations to phase out the old wooden cages and encourage traders to invest in better practices,” she elaborated.