ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SANITARY PRACTICES IN BAUCHI ABATTOIR, BAUCHI STATE

This study assessed the environmental hygiene and sanitary practices of the Bauchi Abattoir, located along Gombe Road in Bauchi State, with the aim of evaluating its hygiene conditions, availability of sanitary facilities, workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), as well as identifying potential environmental and public health risks. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected through questionnaires, direct observation, and field inspection from 40 respondents, including butchers, cleaners, and veterinary officers. The findings revealed that the environmental hygiene condition of the abattoir was moderate, with regular slaughtering activities conducted under limited sanitary control. Although about 70% of workers demonstrated good knowledge of hygiene and 65% showed positive attitudes, only 45– 50% practiced proper sanitation consistently. The study also revealed that drainage systems were poorly maintained, and waste disposal was largely unregulated, posing risks of odor nuisance, vector breeding, and possible contamination of nearby water sources. The study concludes that while the level of hygiene awareness among abattoir workers is fair, infrastructural challenges and weak regulatory enforcement limit effective sanitation practices. It recommends the provision of adequate water and toilet facilities, regular environmental sanitation, enforcement of abattoir hygiene regulations, and periodic training for workers to promote environmental and public health safety