Meat as a favorite protein of many could potentially be harmful as it has been proven to be a primary source of most global health crises.

Reports indicate that about 60% of emerging diseases in the human population are of animal origins.

Anthrax, tuberculosis and the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic are among diseases transmitted to humans through the consumption of infected meat sources.  

The world was thrown into a state of shock and gloom when the novel coronavirus whisked away thousands of lives.  

The disease is reported to have been transmitted through the human consumption of bat meat.

Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases that can naturally be transmitted between animals and humans, and are either caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria.

With a growing population of meat consumers globally, scientists have intimated a potential emergence of yet another pandemic stemming from animal sources.

Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine-KNUST, Professor Benjamin Emikpe ascribes recent emergence of “strange” diseases to the changing climate and some activities of illegal miners.

“Animals are moving from arid regions down South to graze. But, down South illegal miners are deteriorating the green forests. So, now the lands left are being fought over illegal miners, animals and other humans.

“Due to heavy deforestation ongoing in many forests, these wild animals, which are sources of these diseases, are forced to move closer to human settlements for grazing. The wildlife are a harbor of these zoonotic diseases and they spread to domestic animals.

“Because of their activities, humans now have access to these animals. These animals then spread strange diseases, in the human population,” he said.

Diseases transmitted through animals to humans have become a great public health concern and may even lead to death.

Thirteen most common zoonotic diseases are reported to have been impactful on poor livestock workers in low and middle-income countries including Ghana.

In attempts to avert a possible global disease wave, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the School of Veterinary Medicine-KNUST, and the government of Ghana are collaborating to train actors in the meat industry.

Dr. Garba Maina Ahmed is the country lead for FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases.

“If inspections are not conducted, it is likely people will consume unwholesome meat. This training is bringing together all the actors in the meat industry to ensure people consume hygienic meat.  

“One key reason for the training is to ensure zoonotic diseases are put in check and do not affect people’s lives. COVID-19 has not only disrupted lives, it has tempered economies around the round and affected the food supply chain.

“Some countries can’t have their foods delivered due to the lockdowns caused by these diseases,” he said.

Professor Ahmed impressed upon the need for all stakeholders in the health sector to embrace the One Health concept in combating these diseases.

“To tackle these emerging zoonotic diseases, we ought to adhere to the One Health concept where stakeholders in the environmental health, human health, and animal health work collaboratively,” he said.

The 5-day workshop is taking a total of forty butchers, livestock farmers, meat inspectors, and other actors in the meat industry through a comprehensive meat inspection and food safety training.

The workshop aims at honing the skills and capabilities of these key actors in safeguarding public health.

The exercise envisages that the stakeholders collaborate effectively to ensure strict adherence to regulations governing meat safety.