Thailand

Malaysia resumes cattle imports from Thailand

Livestock

The country had suspended the import of cattle and buffaloes from Thailand in June last year after assessing the risk of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).

Posted on Mar 31 ,08:59

Live cattle and buffaloes imports from Thailand have been resumed this month by Malaysia, after an agreement with the Thai Department of Livestock Development (DLD) on measures to control Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) was reached. "The decision was made after several improvements in import rules and procedures were made. It also takes into account the mitigation measures that can be taken in the country to control LSD," a statement from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) said.
Malaysia had suspended the import of cattle and buffaloes from Thailand on June 8 last year after assessing the risk of LSD, which was reported to be contagious in more than 41 provinces in the country.
The suspension was also aimed at curbing the risk of LSD transmission from Thailand to protect the interests of the country’s ruminant breeding industry. Following the lifting of the import ban, DVS has sought the cooperation of industry players to ensure that livestock purchases from Thailand are made through legitimate suppliers registered with the DLD.
The DVS said it also expected the supply of cattle and buffaloes to remain consistent and sufficient ahead of a national celebration in May. At the same time, the Thai Department of Livestock Development announced it has achieved success in the development of a vaccine to tackle the outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in cattle. The first lot of vaccines are expected to enter the market in the middle of May this year. Production capacity would be between 50,000 and 100,000 doses per month. The department is studying the possibility of boosting production capacity to between 500,000 and 1 million doses, which is expected to be achieved in the middle of next year in order to be exported to other Asian countries.

Comments

Similar articles