Knowledge, attitude and practices of abattoir workers and veterinarians toward meat safety in abattoir or slaughter slabs within Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The knowledge and perceptions of meat handlers toward meat safety in most developing countries, particularly Nigeria, remain largely unknown. In this study, the knowledge, attitude, and practices of abattoir workers and veterinarians toward meat safety in abattoir or slaughter slabs within Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were assessed. Fifty participants comprising abattoir workers (40) and veterinarians (10) were interviewed face-to-face on a once-off basis using two different structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS (IBM version 23). The overall knowledge (82.5%), attitude (72.5%), and practices (67.5%) toward meat safety were poor in majority of abattoir workers. The poor knowledge, attitude, and practices were significantly associated with their education levels (X2 = 23.377; P = 0.000), ages (X2 = 9.562; P = 0.023), and years of working in the abattoir (X2 = 8.966; P = 0.011), respectively. Veterinarians had good overall knowledge (70.0%), attitude, and practices (100.0%). There is a need for proper training, monitoring, and education of abattoir workers as well as routine inspection by appropriate authorities to ensure compliance with standard practices toward ensuring production of safe wholesome meat. Also, professional training of veterinarians on meat safety despite their good knowledge, attitude, and practices is highly recommended.