Avian Influenza: Douala pig butchers take early precautions

The bird flu disease that recently hit one of the biggest poultries in Yaounde has sent warning signals to other livestock farmers. Pig farmers in Douala are now on the lookout especially as their activities are frequently hit by epidemics.

During the installation of the five pig farming task forces for the Douala I, II, III, IV and V Sub-divisions, the Wouri Divisional Delegate for Livestock, Dr Guy Mimbang, cautioned the 69 members to improve hygiene and sanitation in their slaughter corners, avoid slaughtering sick or dead pigs and seek the services of veterinary doctors in order to prevent pig diseases.

He also urged them to cleanse the pig sector by identifying every pig butcher in their sub-division to prevent charlatans from infiltrating. Away from improving the quality of pork sold to clients, Dr Guy Mimbang enjoined them to work in collaboration with sub-divisional delegates and veterinary doctors, settle problems amicably and face competition from modern butchers.

The five leaders, Youya Bruno, Fongang Roger, Bopda Dayan, Nitcheu Augustin and Kamga Guy for the Douala I, II, III, IV and V sub-divisions respectively, promised to make the profession more noble and enviable.

Given that at least 200 pigs are slaughtered in the city's five sub-divisions daily, the pig butchers resolved to form a cooperative in order to canvass funds from national and international bodies to construct slaughter houses, cold houses for proper storage and provide good slabs for the sale of pork.