PUTRAJAYA: No cases of anthrax have been reported in the country as of yesterday despite a recent outbreak in neighbouring Thailand, says the Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
“At present, we remain vigilant and have requested assurance from the Thai authorities that no animals or animal products from high-risk anthrax areas are being exported to Malaysia,” the department said in statement.
DVS has also requested that Thai authorities provide updates on the current situation, measures taken to control the movement of animals and animal products within Thailand, and their contingency plan for managing the outbreak.
“Malaysia imports live cattle and buffalo from Thailand, and all livestock entering the country must undergo strict veterinary inspections before being allowed in,” it said, Bernama reported.
Malaysia has remained free of anthrax since the last reported case to the World Organisation for Animal Health in 1976.
DVS is taking the recent Thai outbreak seriously following the confirmation of a human fatality due to infection on May 1, as reported by Thailand’s Department of Disease Control.
The case was linked to cattle slaughtering and consuming raw beef in Don Tan district, Mukdahan province, northeastern Thailand, which borders Laos.
DVS explained that anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, that can infect humans and can be fatal.
“This disease can infect livestock and humans through direct contact with spores produced by Bacillus anthracis.
“It can cause a high mortality rate among livestock. Common clinical signs in animals include high fever, which may cause sudden death,” it said.
DVS urged livestock farmers to immediately report if they detect any of these symptoms in their animals.
“DVS urges livestock farmers to enhance farm biosecurity, especially in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Haji celebrations.
“The health status of all new livestock brought to farms must be verified through inspections by certified veterinary officers and accompanied by valid livestock transfer permits,” it said.
