Linking Abattoir Operations to Occupational Health Risks and Environmental Contamination: A One Health Assessment in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria
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Abstract
Abattoir operations are essential components of food production and public health; however, inadequate operational practices may expose workers to occupational hazards and surrounding communities to environmental contamination. This study assessed the association between abattoir operations, occupational health risks, and environmental contamination using a One Health approach in Calabar Metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted across selected abattoirs in Calabar Municipality and Calabar South Local Government Areas. A total of 22 abattoirs duly registered with the Cross River State Ministry of Health were identified across nine locations within the study area. One abattoir was purposively selected from each location based on the inclusion criterion of having been in operation for at least 15 years and 250 respondents, comprising 47 abattoir workers, 59 meat handlers, 138 nearby residents, and 6 environmental health personnel were included in the study based on their availability and willingness to participate in the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, observational checklists, and environmental assessment records. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to test hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that poor waste disposal practices, inadequate sanitation facilities, and unsafe slaughtering procedures were major operational challenges associated with environmental contamination and occupational exposure. Common clinical signs suggestive of disease among abattoir animals included diarrhea (30.19%) and hair or skin lesions (8.49%). Similarly, bloody diarrhea was one of the common diseases reported by workers (19.81%) and nearby residents (13.76%). A significant positive association existed between abattoir operational practices and environmental contamination (r = 0.68, p < 0.05), indicating that poor operational management increased contamination risks. Multiple Regression Analysis further showed that occupational exposure was significantly associated with health-risk scores among workers. Biological hazards had the strongest standardized contribution (β = 0.42, t = 6.31, p < 0.001), followed by physical hazards (β = 0.31, t = 4.85, p < 0.001) and chemical exposure (β = 0.27, t = 3.96, p < 0.002). The study concluded that unsustainable abattoir operations create interconnected risks to human health, animal health, and environmental quality. It recommends improved waste management systems, strict enforcement of occupational safety standards, routine health surveillance of workers, and integrated One Health interventions to promote safer and sustainable abattoir practices in Calabar Metropolis. These measures will reduce occupational exposure, prevent transmission, protect ecosystems, and strengthen community health resilience.
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