Response To Rumour Of Bovine Tuberculosis In Beef In Northern Nigeria

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

15 July, 2019 | Abuja – RESPONSE TO RUMOUR OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN BEEF IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

We are aware of a rumour being spread mostly on WhatsApp and Facebook, about a statement reportedly issued by the Director General of the World Health Organization. The rumour states that people should avoid eating beef and related products as a result of bovine tuberculosis found in cattle in the North of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would like to state that this statement is completely FALSE. The World Health Organization Nigeria Country Office has also put out a release to strongly refute this statement.

The general public is advised to note that there are no cases of bovine tuberculosis reported to NCDC, nor are there concerns of this in the country at the moment.

The public is advised to ensure that meat and other food to be consumed is well cooked and safely handled to avoid the spread of foodborne illnesses.

For accurate information on disease outbreaks in Nigeria, please visit www.ncdc.gov.ng or our Twitter and Facebook pages @NCDCgov.

PLEASE AVOID THE SPREAD OF FAKE NEWS.

Contacts

NCDC Toll-free Number: 0800-970000-10

SMS: 08099555577

WhatsApp: 07087110839

Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov

Signed:

Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu,

Director General,

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control

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