“Health” warns against the indiscriminate slaughter of sacrificial animals in homes or farms

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection warned of the dangers of random slaughter and unsafe handling of sacrificed animals during Eid Al-Adha, specifying 12 important preventive and health measures that must be adhered to before, during and after slaughter, to avoid infection and transmission of diseases and protect the safety of community members..

In a guide through its digital platforms, it called on the public to purchase sacrificial animals from approved and official places to ensure their safety and freedom from diseases, and to choose slaughterhouses that are licensed and equipped for slaughter and avoid random slaughter in homes or farms to reduce the risk of disease transmission..

Procedures before slaughter

• Make sure to buy the sacrificial animal from approved and official places to ensure its safety and free of diseases.
• Choose licensed slaughterhouses equipped for slaughter that comply with safety standards, ensuring that the risk of disease transmission is reduced.
• Avoid random slaughter in homes or farms because it makes the meat vulnerable to contamination and the proliferation of germs.

During slaughter

When visiting livestock markets and dealing with animals or during slaughter:

• Wear protective equipment including gloves, mask and safety glasses.
• Minimize direct contact with animals as much as possible.
• There should be no wounds on the hands or body before touching the sacrifice.

After slaughter

• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat to avoid contamination and the transfer of germs.
• Wear gloves when handling and cutting meat.
• Make sure to clean all tools and surfaces used with hot water and soap after you finish cutting and preparing the meat.
• Dispose of any waste hygienically in sealed bags and throw it into a waste container.
• Wash your hands well with soap and water after finishing.
• Make sure to cook meat well before eating it to kill harmful germs and bacteria.

The Ministry warned of the necessity of reviewing the nearest health center as soon as any symptoms appear within two weeks of dealing with animals or their meat, such as high fever, unusual bleeding, fatigue, muscle pain, or nausea and diarrhea, and informing the doctor.