As Eid al-Adha approaches, the Dean of Veterinarians, Ahmed Rajeb, shared on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, a set of important guidelines regarding the selection of the sacrificial animal, the slaughter process, proper waste disposal, and environmental preservation.
In a statement to Tunisie Numérique, Rajeb explained that the entire process involves five key stages.
The first stage is the selection and purchase of the sacrificial animal. If the buyer lacks sufficient experience, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a qualified specialist to ensure the animal is free from diseases or signs that would make it unfit for sacrifice. The animal should be active, ruminating, free from parasites or any nasal, oral, or eye secretions, should not show signs of diarrhea, and must have normal breathing.
The second stage relates to how the animal is treated after purchase. Rajeb stressed the importance of keeping the animal in a well-ventilated and well-lit space, providing adequate water but limiting its feed intake to prevent health issues. He also warned against giving the animal antibiotics.
Regarding the third stage, which is the slaughtering and skinning process, Rajeb recommended that the procedure be carried out by an experienced individual to ensure meat hygiene. He strongly advised against washing the carcass, as this may spread bacteria. He also emphasized avoiding inflating the animal by mouth to prevent the transmission of germs, ensuring no meat remains on the hide, and preventing the intestines from contaminating the meat during removal.
During the fourth stage, he cautioned about hydatid cysts in the internal organs, stressing the importance of carefully inspecting the entrails. He warned against improper disposal, as certain diseases could spread to stray animals, and eventually to humans.
Finally, in the fifth and last stage, Rajeb highlighted the importance of maintaining a clean environment by not discarding or piling up waste and animal skins in the streets, as this would lead to the proliferation of flies, mosquitoes, and foul odors.
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