Cattle imports from Thailand suspended over lumpy skin disease

Malaysia has suspended with immediate effect all imports of cattle and buffaloes from Thailand, after assessing the risk of lumpy skin disease (LSD) transmission, reported to have spread to over 41 provinces in the neighbouring country.

The Veterinary Services Department (JPV) in a statement today said the ruling was made to stop the disease from spreading and affecting the ruminants breeding industry nationwide.

“The department urges all industry players such as importers, wholesalers and breeders to cooperate by cancelling orders (if any) with cattle and buffaloe suppliers in Thailand,” it said.

The department also advised industry players to immediately report to the veterinary authority in the state or nearby districts any cattle and buffaloes showing symptoms LSD infection, for control and preventive measures.

“Although LSD is a non-zoonatic disease that does not affect humans, it impacts the ruminants breeding industry and causes losses due to weight loss, drop in milk produce, miscarriage and infertility in infected livestocks,” it said.

As part of efforts to prevent the smuggling of cows and buffaloes from Thailand, JPV will work with the Border Security Agency to step up monitoring at the Malaysia-Thailand border.

The Royal Malaysian Customs Department and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis) will also tighten inspections at the country’s entry points to block cattle and buffaloes entering from Thailand.

On June 2, Kedah Maqis reported that it had detected LSD in 42 cattle imported from Thailand at the quarantine station near Bukit Kayu Hitam.

The cattle were among 1,434 imported on April 26 which were placed under quarantine before being brought into the country.