SHAH ALAM – The Selangor Veterinary Services Department (DVS Selangor) identified 27 Brucellosis disease positive goats that were disposed of.
Its service director, Dr Hassuzana Khalil, said the findings revealed that goat farms suspected to sell Brucella melitensis bacterial contaminated milk are located in the Klang district and have not been registered under the Klang District Veterinary Services Office (PPVD).
She said that 213 blood samples involved 140 goats and 73 lambs were taken to confirm the disease in the Salak Tinggi Veterinary Public Health Laboratory.
“To date, the related plant is still under continuous monitoring of DVS Selangor until it is confirmed to achieve a free status of Brucellosis disease,” said Dr Hassuzana.
“DVS Selangor immediately approved the assistance of 45 Pasturia (a type of milk paste equipment) to be distributed to dairy cattle breeders and dairy goats throughout Selangor to facilitate them to pasteurize milk before being marketed to consumers,” she said in a statement.
At the same time, Dr Hassuzana said the department was implementing the destruction of diseased livestock under the prevention, control and eradication programme of animal and zoonotic diseases.
“DVS Selangor runs a campaign to breeders to raise awareness on the importance of producing safe-guaranteed products for human consumption as set forth in GL 003: 2014 Dairy Hygiene and Safety Guidelines for Dairy Entrepreneurs,” she said.
“The approach used under this programme is a ‘test and remove’ which is also the best way to ensure brucella bacteria do not infect healthy livestock,” she added.
“Livestock transfers between districts and states are also monitored by DVS Selangor to ensure that the disease is not spread.”
Accordingly, she noted that farmers and traders were obliged to apply for a Veterinary Health Certificate and Livestock Transfer Permit for any livestock transfer business.
She said farmers and the public were also advised to buy livestock that had a Veterinary Health Certificate from a registered farm with DVS Selangor.
For those who have any concerns contact the nearest District Veterinary Services Office or visit www.dvssel.gov.my or facebook – www.facebook.com/dvssel website.
