(Putrajaya, 11th) The Veterinary Department places great importance on the anthrax death case reported by neighboring Thailand last Thursday. However, the department has reassured the public by stating that Malaysia has not had any new cases of anthrax since the last report to the World Health Organization in 1976.
The department issued a statement indicating that there have been no reports of anthrax in the country to date.
"Currently, the Veterinary Department remains vigilant and has requested assurances from Thailand that no animals or animal products suspected to be from high-risk anthrax areas will be exported to Malaysia."
The department has also requested that Thailand provide information on the current situation, measures taken to control the movement of animals and animal products in the country, and emergency plans regarding anthrax.
"This is because Malaysia imports live livestock, namely cattle and buffalo, from Thailand, and all livestock entering our country must undergo strict veterinary inspection procedures before being approved for entry."
The Veterinary Department explained that anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can infect livestock and humans through direct contact with spores produced by the bacterium.
"Anthrax can lead to high mortality rates in livestock, with clinical symptoms in affected animals including sudden death and high fever."
The statement urged farmers to immediately report to the Veterinary Department if they observe any of these signs.
The Veterinary Department stated that it will carry out preventive and control measures to ensure that the country remains free from this disease and called on farmers to enhance farm biosecurity levels, especially with the upcoming Hari Raya Haji.
"Every animal introduced to the farm must undergo inspection by a certified veterinarian and have a valid livestock transfer permit to ensure their health.
"Additionally, farmers need to be cautious regarding the entry of any livestock without a valid transfer permit, particularly those introduced from neighboring countries."
The Veterinary Department urged all parties, especially operators, to stay informed on the latest developments concerning animal disease incidents. If any clinical symptoms of diseases are observed in livestock, they should be immediately reported to the Veterinary Department.
The department issued a statement indicating that there have been no reports of anthrax in the country to date.
"Currently, the Veterinary Department remains vigilant and has requested assurances from Thailand that no animals or animal products suspected to be from high-risk anthrax areas will be exported to Malaysia."
The department has also requested that Thailand provide information on the current situation, measures taken to control the movement of animals and animal products in the country, and emergency plans regarding anthrax.
"This is because Malaysia imports live livestock, namely cattle and buffalo, from Thailand, and all livestock entering our country must undergo strict veterinary inspection procedures before being approved for entry."
The Veterinary Department explained that anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, which can infect livestock and humans through direct contact with spores produced by the bacterium.
"Anthrax can lead to high mortality rates in livestock, with clinical symptoms in affected animals including sudden death and high fever."
The statement urged farmers to immediately report to the Veterinary Department if they observe any of these signs.
The Veterinary Department stated that it will carry out preventive and control measures to ensure that the country remains free from this disease and called on farmers to enhance farm biosecurity levels, especially with the upcoming Hari Raya Haji.
"Every animal introduced to the farm must undergo inspection by a certified veterinarian and have a valid livestock transfer permit to ensure their health.
"Additionally, farmers need to be cautious regarding the entry of any livestock without a valid transfer permit, particularly those introduced from neighboring countries."
The Veterinary Department urged all parties, especially operators, to stay informed on the latest developments concerning animal disease incidents. If any clinical symptoms of diseases are observed in livestock, they should be immediately reported to the Veterinary Department.