Cattle skin disease exists but under control, says agro ministry

 

Malaysia is closely monitoring imports of cattle to ensure they do not have infections like the lumpy skin disease. (Bernama pic)

RANTAU PANJANG: The agriculture and food industry ministry is constantly alert to, and aware of the issue of lumpy skin disease (LSD) infections that have become a concern among cattle breeders in the country.

Deputy minister II Che Abdullah Mat Nawi said the ministry, through the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis), is regularly monitoring and inspecting premises around the country to detect any infection among livestock.

He said as of yesterday, 12,757 premises had been inspected, involving 168,734 head of cattle, adding that from that total, 169 cattle from 101 premises were found to be LSD-positive.

“In Kelantan alone, 608 premises were checked, along with 6,092 cattle, with 14 cattle testing positive for LSD,” he told reporters after visiting the Rantau Panjang Maqis quarantine station here today.

He said 59 head of cattle seized during the inspection were being kept at the station. The seizures were the result of efforts by Maqis and the police (through its General Operations Force) to curb smuggling activities along the country’s borders.

Che Abdullah said five of the 59 cattle had clinical signs of LSD.

“In May, Kelantan Maqis also found that 14 out of 235 cattle imported from Thailand showed signs of LSD during the quarantine period.

“Maqis closely monitored all the cattle, with the assistance of the veterinary services department to control the disease from spreading further and affecting the cattle rearing industry, especially in Kelantan,” he said.

He added that his ministry, through Maqis, would continue to intensify enforcement efforts at the border, especially at the country’s entry points, to ensure food security and control  the risk of dangerous pests that can threaten the livestock and agriculture industry. - FMT