Adamawa State Government has ordered the disposal of more than 70 cattle at the Jimeta Modern Abattoir after the animals were reportedly found to have grazed on suspected toxic vegetation in parts of Fufore Local Government Area and neighbouring Cameroon.
The Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture Development, Salihu Idris, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the abattoir in Jimeta, where he briefed journalists on the development.
He said the measure was taken in line with government efforts to safeguard public health, advising residents to patronize only certified slaughter facilities for meat consumption.
According to him, the directive for the disposal of the affected cattle was issued by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri as a precautionary step.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Suleiman, said samples of the suspected vegetation would be forwarded to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital for laboratory analysis to determine its toxicity and guide further response.
Similarly, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Batholomew Nyalas, noted that the issue was detected through routine monitoring by ministry officials, adding that prompt action was necessary to prevent any potential public health concern.
The government has assured residents of continued surveillance to ensure food safety and protect public health across the state.
