Practices and transmission of zoonotic diseases in slaughterhouses and meat product trade in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A state of play

Meat consumption is increasing worldwide to meet protein needs, which also raises concerns and challenges regarding the hygienic quality of meat from its production to its consumption. This study proposes to investigate the practices and working conditions in slaughterhouses in southern DR Congo in order to assess the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases. To do this a descriptive study was conducted and during the study period, a total of 29 slaughterhouses were inspected. The results revealed poor hygiene practices in the vicinity of the slaughterhouse, the slaughtering area, the staff as well as the meat vendors through long-term contact with meat, whole carcasses, lungs, livers, hearts and offal which have zoonotic implications in cattle at slaughter, intended for human consumption, and thus constitute significant economic and public health risks. It is therefore necessary to introduce appropriate hygiene measures in slaughterhouses to minimize.