January 6, 2009

Malaysia extends beta agonist monitoring to abattoirs 

It will also carry a headcount of the animals in the 10 farms that were quarantined last week.

VSD deputy director-general Ibrahim Che Embong said these measures would be taken on top of monitoring the movements of pigs in and out of the farms.

Embong said the department will check abattoirs and conduct random test to check if the pigs which were slaughtered had been given the banned growth booster as irresponsible farmers may smuggle the pigs out of the farms.

He said majority of pig farmers and industry players welcomed the department's move to monitor the use of Beta Agonist as they were aware of the importance of ensuring the pig farming industry not being tainted.

He said VSD has the cooperation of the pig farmers association to conduct internationally-endorsed tests at farms twice every year.

He also said VSD plans to conduct stock survey at farms to facilitate monitoring, especially when a disease occurs.

The use of Beta Agonist is prohibited under the proposed 2008 Animal Feed Bill tabled in Malaysia and expected to be approved as the Animal Feed Act this year.

VSD has since quarantined 10 farms for using the banned drug.