KUALA LUMPUR – The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has suspended the import of beef and buffalo meat from Thailand with immediate effect after assessing the risk of the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) that has infected 41 Thai territories.
According to DVS, the measure needs to be taken to contain the risk of LSD infection for the interest of the national ruminant industry.
It also urges all industry players (importers, traders and breeders) to cooperate and cancel (any) orders with the beef and buffalo meat suppliers in Thailand. They are also advised to immediately report to the state and district veterinary authority if the cattle and buffalos in their farm show the signs of LSD infection for prevention and control measures.
Although the LSD is not a zoonotic (does not infect humans) disease, it would impact the economy of ruminant breeders and they may suffer loss due to the reduction in weight, drop in milk production, miscarriages and infertility of the infected animals.
The DVS has obtained the cooperation from the Malaysian Border Security Agency to increase patrol along the border of Malaysia-Thailand as an effort to curb the possibility of beef and buffalo meat smuggling from Thailand.
Besides that the Customs and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) will also increase inspections at the national borders to stop the entry of beef and buffalo meat from Thailand. –MalaysiaGazette
