Evaluation of Carcass Contamination during Slaughter at a Rural Abattoir in Kebbi State

Rural abattoirs in Nigeria frequently operate with minimal infrastructure and oversight, increasing the risk of carcass contamination during slaughter operations. This study evaluated carcass contamination levels at a rural abattoir in Yauri Local Government Area, Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Swab samples were collected from 50 beef carcasses at three critical control points: after hide removal, after evisceration, and after washing and dressing. Total aerobic plate counts and coliform counts were determined at each stage. Slaughter process observations and worker interviews assessed hygiene practices and compliance with standard operating procedures. Results showed progressive increases in microbial counts from hide removal through to evisceration, with geometric mean total plate counts increasing from 2.9 log CFU per cm squared post-skinning to 4.6 log CFU per cm squared post-evisceration. Coliform bacteria were detected on 76% of carcasses post-evisceration, indicating fecal contamination. Workers did not sterilize knives between carcasses, and inadequate water supply limited thorough carcass washing. Absence of veterinary oversight during slaughter was documented. The study recommends urgent rehabilitation of abattoir infrastructure, provision of potable water, mandatory knife sterilization protocols, and deployment of trained meat inspectors to rural abattoirs in Kebbi State. Keywords: carcass contamination, rural abattoir, meat hygiene, Kebbi State, slaughter