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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
Public urged to have domestic pets microchipped
PETALING JAYA: The Veterinary Services Department (VSD) is calling on pet owners to microchip their animals, describing it as a vital step in addressing the stray population and protecting domestic pets. As of May, over 25,800 pets have been microchipped nationwide. Under Malaysian law, all pets – specifically dogs and cats – must be identified and registered. VSD confirmed that microchipping remains the standard method, with every registered pet issued an Animal Identification Card under the Animal Passport System. 'Microchipping is more than a safety measure; it's a sign of responsible ownership,' said VSD veterinary officer Dr Salina Amad Bugis. 'It helps reunite lost pets with their families and supports broader efforts to manage animal welfare in our communities.' While any registered veterinarian can carry out the procedure, only VSD officers and authorised vets are permitted to issue the official ID card. The procedure is quick, minimally invasive and carries rare health risks. To increase accessibility, VSD regularly offers subsidised microchipping programmes during national events such as World Rabies Day, World Veterinary Day and the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Show as well as state-level initiatives. In May, Malacca VSD conducted an outreach campaign in Sungai Udang, offering rabies awareness and microchipping services for household pets. VSD is also working with certified clinics to provide microchipping during regular vet visits, aiming to simplify registration for pet owners. 'Although microchipping alone won't eliminate the stray issue, it is a key part of a broader strategy involving vaccination, education and animal control,' Salina said. Globally and locally, microchipping has proven effective in reducing lost pet cases and improving reunification rates. 'As responsible pet owners, it is our duty to ensure the safety, health and well-being of our animals,' she added. 'Get your pet microchipped and registered at your nearest VSD office or authorised veterinary clinic. Together, we can build a more compassionate and accountable pet-owning community.' Meanwhile, an animal welfare advocate warned that gaps in enforcement and registration are limiting the effectiveness of the system. Malaysian Animal Welfare Association president Mukunnan Sugumaran described microchipping as essential yet underutilised due to a lack of central oversight. 'Microchipping is a simple, safe procedure that costs about RM100 and should be seen as part of responsible pet ownership. But I've personally rescued dogs with microchips only to find their data missing from any registry,' he said. Mukunnan noted that not all shelters or adoption centres microchip the animals they release, which can lead to abandonment cases in which owners deny responsibility. 'Too often, when pets are dumped, there's no way to trace the owner. The law can't act if there's no evidence,' he said, pointing to Section 29(1)(d) of the Animal Welfare Act, which makes abandonment a punishable offence. To date, no one has been charged under the clause due to the lack of traceable records. Mukunnan called for a unified national registration system, better enforcement and clearer legal frameworks. 'Microchipping should be mandatory, not optional. Every shelter, rescue group and pet owner has a role to play in proper registration,' he said. He urged government agencies, local councils and NGOs to collaborate in building a more structured and enforceable microchipping system.
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Wani Kayrie: I suffered a severe headache, blurred vision and vomiting
KUALA LUMPUR: Singer and actress Wani Kayrie, 25, was forced to celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha modestly at home this year after being admitted to hospital for a severe headache that required treatment and medical monitoring. Wani, whose real name is Syazwani Abdullah, was taken to the Emergency Department of a medical centre in Petaling Jaya at around 2am on Wednesday, after experiencing symptoms of blurred vision and sudden vomiting. "I was in the emergency zone from 2am to 6am before being transferred to the ward," she told Harian Metro. "After the MRI results came back clear, I was admitted to the ward on Thursday morning." Wani was allowed to leave the ward late on Friday evening after requesting early discharge from her doctor, so she could celebrate Hari Raya Korban with her family. "Even though I was allowed to return home, I still couldn't celebrate Raya as usual," she explained. "My health isn't stable yet, so I just rested at home, celebrating Raya in moderation." According to Wani, doctors confirmed she was suffering from a 'tension headache' – a type of headache caused by stress, lack of rest, and extreme fatigue, following a very busy work period. "To be honest, my schedule has been non-stop since Hari Raya Aidilfitri," she said. "It's been constant promotions for my song 'Nyam Nyam Ketupat', stage performances, drama filming, the musical theatre 'Kehidupan', and promoting my new song 'Cak Cak Cekuk'." Wani admitted that the extreme fatigue meant she could no longer control her own body, leading to a debilitating headache that wouldn't subside even with rest at home. "Normally, if I had a headache, I'd just sleep it off at home," she said. "But this time, the pain was incredible. My head felt like it was going to burst; I couldn't even sleep. It kept coming back repeatedly. That's why the doctor performed an MRI to rule out anything serious. Thank God, everything is fine, it was just low blood pressure." Wani further explained that her symptoms began after she played badminton last Wednesday night. "I had just finished playing badminton. While packing my equipment, my vision suddenly became blurry; I saw stars," she said. "When I tried to walk, my body felt weak. I attempted to drive but felt like vomiting and had to stop. At that point, a headache started coming and going." Wani then sought help from her friend and fellow singer, Afieq Shazwan, who was at the same location, to take her to the hospital. "Afieq immediately called my brother to get a car," she said. "We went to the hospital together that night. That's when the long treatment episode began." Despite being saddened by not being able to celebrate Aidiladha like in previous years, Wani is content. She views this experience as a chance given by God to rest and spend quality time with her family. "Every year, if I don't go back to my hometown, I'll take my family on holiday for Raya," she said. "But this year, perhaps God wants to give me the space to stop for a while, rest, and appreciate time with my family.
New Straits Times
06-06-2025
- 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.
