Occupational and Environmental Health Challenges in Abattoir

Ensuring clean and safe abattoir has been recognized as one of the ways of preventing zoonotic infections. This study evaluated the level of public health challenges in a central abattoir in Bayelsa State Nigeria. The study utilized a cross-sectional and experimental study designs. A simple questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 20 abattoir workers and a semi-structured interview administered questions to get information from the management of the abattoir on the overall public health practices in the abattoir. For their responses,(16) 80% of the sampled abattoir workers have no knowledge of zoonotic diseases, only (7)35% were seen using personal protective equipment (PPE), and (10) 50% do not see reason to go for medical check at all. The sanitation facilities (toilets) were seen to be dirty, open and littered with papers, plastic nylon and grasses grown around it. Major source of water supply at the abattoir is a close by river which also serves as source of water supply for the community. Samples were ascetically collected from different points of the river and taken to Wizlink Consult Research Center for analysis. The microbial analysis revealed high counts of total heterotrophic bacteria (7.2 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), enteric bacteria (5.0 × 10⁶ CFU/ml), and fungi (8 × 10³ SFU/ml), indicating significant contamination. Pathogenic agents such as Clostridium spp, Bacillus spp, and Fusarium spp were identified. Additionally, the improper handling of wastes and the disposal of untreated effluents contribute to water pollution, environmental degradation, affecting the surrounding community. This study recommends the immediate improvement on the toilet facilities, proper waste management, occupational health of workers and routine microbial monitoring. Implementing these measures will not only enhance food sanitation but also, protect public health and reduce the environmental impact of abattoir operations.