Poor personal and environmental hygiene and sanitary conditions of abattoirs in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa have been implicated in the occurrence and spread of foodborne diseases. This focused review aims to evaluate the sanitation and hygiene practices of slaughterhouses in selected sub-Saharan African countries as well as the microbial (bacterial) contaminants associated with these slaughterhouses. Pathogenic microorganisms of public health importance have been associated with these slaughterhouses due to poor hygiene conditions, non-formal occupational health and safety training, and poor knowledge of workers as well as substandard infrastructures and crude tools in these facilities. Put together, these conditions enable the growth, survival, transmission, and proliferation of foodborne pathogens such as bacteria, parasites, and viruses. To address this issue, there is a need to assess the poor environmental and personal hygiene of butchers and other abattoir workers, the inaccessibility of potable water, waste management practices, and the lack of appropriate infrastructure and technology, which have been identified as some of the enabling factors for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Sustainable strategies should include instituting regulations that are backed by law.
Keywords: Abattoir; Diseases; Environmental and public health; Food animals; Food quality and safety; Foodborne pathogens; Sustainability.
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