A veterinary officer at the Kwara Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Mutalib Lawal, has warned Muslims against buying unhealthy rams for slaughtering during the Eid-El Kabir celebration.

Lawal told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ajase-Ipo, Kwara, on Friday that some Muslim faithful were fond of buying infected rams due to their giveaway prices.

Lawal, who is attached to the Fadama Community Association Veterinary Clinic, Ajase-Ipo, said consuming infected rams could pose serious danger to human health.

``We had on many occasions sounded it that it is a great deal of risk to buy infected rams for consumption just because they are cheap.

``Even with mere looking at such infected rams you can detect that something is seriously wrong with them.

``Our major concern stems from the fact that majority of these rams originated from outside the shore of the country, hence the need for them to be properly screened for infections,” he said.

Lawal said that about 3,000 rams had been screened at Ajase-Ipo Kara market and certified fit for human consumption while the 10 infected rams had been treated.

``As far as this market is concerned, all the rams here have been medically certified, although the screening is a continuous process even after the Sallah period,” he said.

He, however, said that the rate of animal infection was on the decline when compared to the 50 recorded as at the same period in 2012.

Lawal listed some of the prevalent ram diseases as skin and mouth diseases, foot rot and kidney disease.

He appealed to both the state and local government to make adequate provision for equipment and water for the clinic, especially for use at the abattoir.

Alhaji Omo Okunola, the leader of the market, expressed happiness at the large turnout of buyers and the friendly environment.

``I think so far so good, we are satisfied with the environment and the high level of patronage even from states like Oyo, Osun and Lagos,” he said. (NAN)