April 28, 2009

Malaysia issues order to pig farms over swine flu outbreak

Malaysia has ordered all 797 farms in the country to report immediately to the authorities any dip in the health of the animals, in view of the swine flu outbreak in Mexico.

Pig breeders should watch for signs of the animals coughing, sneezing, having difficulty breathing or refusing to eat, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Noh Omar.

He said breeders should also keep an eye on workers' health and detect any sign of coughing, fever and body ache.

The breeders can report to the nearest Veterinary Services Department or directly contact the Vector-borne Disease Control Centre.

Noh said rapid action teams had been instructed to be on standby and would be rushed to the states when necessary.

He added Malaysia does not import livestock or livestock products from Mexico.

State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Law Choo Kiang also said breeders should isolate sick animals immediately.

In Penang, the state Veterinary Services Department will conduct an examination and collect samples at 200 pig farms to ensure the animals are free of swine flu. An operations room had also been opened to monitor the disease, and the Department was conducting checks and monitoring situations at supermarkets, markets and outlets selling pork products.