Nov. 30, 2008 – With the upcoming holiday season, consumers are reminded to buy only local meats inspected by the abattoir and from known livestock farmers. Unfortunately, at this time of year, many animals are stolen and slaughtered in the bush and then are sold to unsuspecting consumers, who could be harmed, according to a press release from Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Louis E. Petersen.
Dr. Bethany Bradford, director of veterinary services, says that livestock farmers look forward to the holidays as an opportunity to provide a fresh, wholesome product for their customers. During the year, farmers may administer medications to their cattle, sheep, goats and pigs, such as de-wormers, to keep them healthy, and they know when to sell the animals so there is no danger to consumers from any medication.
Thieves do not know what the health status is of any animal and put consumers at risk when they butcher and sell a medicated or diseased animal. Additionally, bush-kill methods are not sanitary and pose a health risk to consumers.
VIDOA urges consumers to be safe and know from whom they are buying meat. Buy local meat only from known livestock farmers; be certain it is meat that has been inspected and stamped by the VIDOA abattoir.
For more information or to report bush-killed or stolen meat and livestock, contact VIDOA on St. Croix at 778-0998, on St. Thomas at 774-5182 and on St. John at 776-6274.
