PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has immediately ceased all imports of cows and buffaloes from Thailand, according to the veterinary services department (DVS).
This comes after an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) among the livestock in some 41 provinces in Thailand.
In a statement, DVS said the decision was made to curb the spread of the disease within the local livestock industry.
It also called for all importers, middlemen and livestock breeders to cancel any orders with cattle suppliers in Thailand.
“Industry players are also advised to immediately report to veterinary authorities in the nearest state or district if any cattle on farms or stables show symptoms of LSD infection so that control and prevention action can be taken,” it said.
Although LSD does not infect humans, the DVS said it would impact the livestock industry here as the cattle risked losing weight, decreased milk production, miscarriage and infertility.
The department added that it was working with the Malaysian border security agency to enhance border control between Malaysia and Thailand and prevent the smuggling of livestock into the country.
The customs department as well as the Malaysian quarantine and inspection services department (Maqis) will also be ramping up its check at the country’s entry gates.
On June 1, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urged DVS to stop importing cattle from Thailand following the outbreak of LSD there.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader was reported as saying that the disease could easily be spread to Malaysia ahead of the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration next month.
“As Malaysians will be celebrating Aidiladha this July, more live cattle will be imported into the country for the celebration of this festival.
“The disease is highly contagious as it is spread through mosquitoes, flies and fleas,” he said. - FMT
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