As Eid al-Adha approaches, Ahmed Rajeb, the dean of veterinarians in Tunisia, emphasized the importance of following five key guidelines to ensure a proper and healthy animal sacrifice. These rules cover every stage—from purchasing the sheep, maintaining its health, observing hygienic slaughter conditions, to storing the meat safely and managing waste in an environmentally responsible way.
In a statement to *Tunisie Numérique* on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Rajeb stressed the necessity of consulting professionals when buying the animal and paying close attention to critical health indicators: active behavior, normal appetite, absence of parasites in the wool, no abnormal secretions, and no swelling in the abdomen.
He advised handling the animal gently, especially during hot weather, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, while ensuring it has sufficient water and food. He also warned against administering any medication to the animal before slaughter.
Regarding the slaughter process itself, Rajeb called for hiring an experienced butcher to guarantee adherence to hygiene standards and ensure meat safety.
On meat preservation, he recommended keeping portions intended for immediate consumption refrigerated at 4°C, while freezing the remainder to maintain quality.
Concluding his advice, Rajeb underscored the critical need for proper disposal of slaughter waste and residues. He stressed that these by-products must be treated and discarded in an environmentally respectful manner, reminding that “the natural cycle is interconnected, and any disruption can have adverse effects on humans and their environment.”
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