Oyo State government has set up standard operating procedures (SOP) for poultry processing farmers to avert zoonotic diseases in the pacesetter state.
The regulations will cover all aspects of poultry processing, from procurement of chicken to slaughtering, as well as transportation and packaging.
Olasunkanmi Olaleye, commissioner for Agriculture, maintained that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will serve as a guideline for inspecting chicken processing plants with a focus on food safety, quality control, and veterinary regulatory compliance.
He stated that all chicken plants and chicken slaughterhouses must have been accredited and licensed before the commencement of operations, according to section 5 sub-sections 1 of the Oyo State Meat law.
According to him, the law says “the controlling authority or any other person wishing to establish a slaughterhouse shall make an application in the prescribed form to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for the registration of such slaughterhouse.”
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While stressing that the move was to sanitize poultry businesses in the state and ensure the safety of lives and properties of the citizenry, the Commissioner said the move would also eradicate zoonotic diseases and quackery in the poultry business and slaughterhouses.
Presenting the SOP to the chairman, Association of Poultry Processors, Oyo State Chapter and his members in Ibadan, the commissioner noted that 90 percent of human diseases were contracted from animals (Zoonotic) hence the Oyo state government has embarked on an aggressive campaign.
The commissioner added that monitoring of the activities of slaughters and those in animal business has also begun, stressing consumption of healthy poultry products cannot be negotiated.
Olaleye however, urged the association to strictly adhere to the SOP, saying violators will face the wrath of the law.
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In her welcome address, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Christianah Abioye said the move was not to put hardship on members of the association
She stressed that this would equally help the government to ascertain their data, as this will grant them access to the government’s support.
In his remarks, Balogun Aboidun, the chairman of the Association of Poultry Processors, Oyo State chapter, commended the Oyo state government for its various efforts in eradicating zoonotic disease and the support the poultry association has received so far.
He pledged the union’s readiness to support the present administration to achieve its vision towards boosting the agricultural sector in the state.
