Lumpy Skin Disease: Import of cattle, buffaloes from Thailand suspended

PETALING JAYA: The import of cattle and buffaloes from Thailand will be suspended with immediate effect due to the transmission of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in 41 provinces there, says the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).

DVS said this decision was made to curb the transmission of LSD from Thailand to protect the nation’s ruminant industry.

“DVS urges all industry players; importers, middlemen and breeders to give their cooperation by cancelling their bookings, if there are any, with the cattle and buffalo suppliers in Thailand.

“The industry players are also advised to immediately report to the state and district veterinary authorities if there are cattles or buffaloes in farms with LSD symptoms for control and prevention action, ” it said in a statement on Tuesday (June 8).

In its efforts to curb the possibility of cattle and buffalo smuggling from Thailand, DVS said it has obtained the cooperation of the Malaysian Border Security Agency (Aksem) to enhance its monitoring activities on the Malaysia-Thailand border.

“The cooperation of Customs and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) will also step up checks at all the country’s entry points to stop the cattles and buffaloes from entering the country, ” it said.