August 18, 2023

Brunei free of cattle lumpy skin disease, ministry assures public

Brunei's Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) has asserted that Australia's cattle lumpy skin disease (LSD) has not been detected in the country, urging the public and players within the agricultural industry to not be alarmed, Borneo Bulletin reported.

Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has assured that LSD has never been identified within Australia. They emphasised the implementation of stringent biosecurity measures alongside an exhaustive disease surveillance system targeting unreported pathogens.

This comprehensive approach involves meticulous examinations of all livestock at Australian port facilities, coupled with the issuance of certificates confirming their disease-free status and fitness for travel. These certificates are granted by veterinary officers prior to departure from Australia.

Signs of the disease in cattle and buffaloes include the presence of skin nodules across various parts of the body, discharge from the eyes and nose, elevated body temperature, and a decline in appetite.

LSD infection can result in a range of issues including reduced milk production, impaired growth, infertility, and even miscarriages among pregnant livestock.

Given Brunei's context, where large-scale commercial cattle breeding and production farms are absent, the risk of LSD transmission and its repercussions on the cattle and buffalo industry within the country remain minimal.

MPRT's statement aims to reassure citizens and stakeholders that adequate measures are in place to safeguard against any potential impacts of the disease. The country's commitment to stringent biosecurity protocols and vigilant surveillance mechanisms underscores its determination to maintain a healthy and stable agricultural landscape.

-      Borneo Bulletin