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New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Kedah farm animals free to move ahead of Aidiladha, except Ulu Melaka
ALOR STAR: Farm animals can move freely across Kedah ahead of tomorrow's Aidiladha celebration, with only the Ulu Melaka area in Langkawi still under movement restrictions. The Ulu Melaka area remains a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) control zone following an outbreak last month. Kedah Veterinary Services Department director, Dr Shaharul Amar Talib said: "At present, there are no movement restrictions on farm animals throughout Kedah, except in the Ulu Melaka area in Langkawi." However, the livestock movement ban in and out of Ulu Melaka, imposed on May 19, remains in place, he told NST. Dr Shaharul said livestock movement restriction was being enforced in the area to prevent the disease from spreading and to keep other animals safe. He urged farmers and animal suppliers to follow the rules, adding that if anyone needs to move animals in or out of that area, they must get official permission (a permit) first. Last month, the department restricted livestock movement in and out of Ulu Melaka following an outbreak of FMD, a highly contagious viral infection that affected 37 head of cattle. In preparation for the Aidiladha celebration, Dr Shaharul said the department has issued a total of 442 qurban (sacrificial livestock) movement permits. "We expect this number to keep rising as Hari Raya Qurban approaches. The department will continue to closely monitor livestock movements to ensure smooth operations and a sufficient supply of sacrificial animals throughout the state," he said.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Livestock restrictions in Langkawi after Foot and Mouth Disease detected
LANGKAWI: The Veterinary Services Department has restricted livestock movement in and out of Ulu Melaka here following an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) affecting 37 cattle. Its state director, Dr Shaharul Amar Talib, said the restriction began on May 19 and would continue until further notice. He said comprehensive control measures were being implemented to curb the disease, which could severely impact the livestock industry, a concern as Hari Raya Aidiladha nears. "The first case was detected on May 10 in Kampung Baru Ulu Melaka after several farmers began noticing unusual symptoms among their cattle. "A report was made to the Langkawi Veterinary Services Department on May 13. An investigation was launched the same day. "Inspections found five out of 37 cattle reared by five farmers showing signs of FMD infection." Dr Shaharul said symptoms included lesions and blisters around the mouth and hooves, excessive drooling and general lethargy. Further investigations found that the infected cattle had not received the required twice yearly FMD vaccinations. "Other livestock in the area that are fully vaccinated showed no signs of the disease," he said. Farmers nearby were advised not to enter the restricted area and to strictly observe farm biosecurity practices. This includes cleaning and disinfecting before and after entering livestock areas, as well as limiting access to visitors. The Veterinary Services Department has launched a vaccination programme for unvaccinated livestock, particularly in Kampung Baru Ulu Melaka, to strengthen protection against infection.
