Fear As Cows In Abia State Test Positive For Deadly Bovine Tuberculosis

Prof Ikechi Mgboji, Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, has warned residents of Abia to stop eating
cow lungs in order not to contract the Bovine Tuberculosis which has been found in Cows in the state.

Mgboji who disclosed this in Aba, said the warning is important following the discovery of some cows infected with bovine tuberculosis, a cow disease which causes a general state of illness manifesting later with coughing and resulting in the eventual death of the affected mammal.

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“Part of our work in this ministry is that any cow offered for public consumption is usually examined by veterinary doctors.

“About two weeks ago, two of such cows, when killed, were found to have Bovine Tuberculosis (M.bovine) and there is no way to know a cow with such a disease unless they are either killed or tested.

“So we decided to alert people who eat beef to stop eating the lungs of cows for now but they may eat the flesh.

“They should stop eating that particular organ for now until we are able to determine if it is a very exceptional case or a prevalent case.” he said.

Mgboji noted that the Abia agriculture ministry had alerted cow dealers in the state to be aware of the discovery and to allow their cows to be tested to safeguard the lives of beef consumers.

He however lamented that the cow dealers have not been showing interest in having their cows tested to determine their fitness for human consumption adding that their quest for profit is a threat to human health.

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He called on the Board of Internal Revenue in the state to always send professionals trained in veterinary medicine to inspect meats in abattoirs meant for the public.