June 19, 2024
Malaysia reviews dairy imports as bird flu hits cows in US
Malaysia's Veterinary Services Department (DVS) is reviewing the import of dairy products following reports that avian influenza was detected among dairy cattle herds in the United States, said Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, the country's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
Sabu said the DVS will be reviewing reported incidents involving dairy products from the US, the Netherlands and Australia, for example.
"If they do not have any issue, then there is no problem for the products to be brought into Malaysia. DVS, on behalf of the ministry, has always been very meticulous... This is important as the issues of safety, security and (food) health need to be taken into account," he said.
If there is any area with reports of flu or any other virus, the DVS would take swift action and advise the ministry on whether livestock or such products can be imported from there, Sabu told a press conference after launching the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024 on June 10.
- The Star