A STUDY ON POST-MORTEM LESIONS AND ABATTOIR FACILITIES IN WOLAITA ZONE, ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR MEAT SAFETY
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the physical facilities and detect post-mortem lesions in public abattoirs in selected districts of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three districts (Sodo, Areka, and Boditi) between January and June 2023. Data were collected on the infrastructure, hygiene, and post-mortem inspection practices at the abattoirs, and the presence of lesions was recorded during routine slaughter. A total of 150 slaughtered animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) were examined for lesions. Results indicated that while physical facilities were suboptimal, there was a significant presence of post-mortem lesions (23%) in the slaughtered animals, with a high incidence of digestive system lesions in cattle. The study concludes that improvements in abattoir facilities and post-mortem inspection practices are needed to ensure food safety and public health.
Keywords
Post-mortem lesions, Abattoir facilities, Public healthHow to Cite
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