Evaluation of Meat Inspection Records and Condemnation Rates at Yola Abattoir, Adamawa State

Systematic analysis of abattoir condemnation records provides crucial public health intelligence about the disease burden in slaughter animal populations. This study evaluated meat inspection records and carcass condemnation rates at the Yola Municipal Abattoir, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. A retrospective analysis of abattoir records covering the period 2019 to 2023 was conducted, supplemented by interviews with five veterinary meat inspectors. Data on species slaughtered, conditions leading to whole or partial condemnations, and seasonal patterns were extracted and analyzed. During the five-year review period, a total of 48,320 cattle, 19,450 goats, and 12,200 sheep were slaughtered. Overall condemnation rates were 4.8% for cattle and 3.2% for small ruminants. Liver fluke infestation, tuberculosis lesions, and contamination from intestinal spillage were the leading causes of condemnation. Condemnation rates were notably higher during the rainy season. Incomplete record keeping was identified in two of the five years reviewed, limiting trend analysis. The study concludes that systematic condemnation rate monitoring at Yola Abattoir provides important epidemiological data but requires more rigorous record-keeping systems. Standardized electronic abattoir surveillance systems, regular veterinary officer training, and improved laboratory support for pathological confirmations are recommended. Keywords: meat inspection, condemnation rates, abattoir records, Adamawa State, disease surveillance