SHAH ALAM, 6 Aug: The farming industry in Hulu Selangor and Sabak Bernam have been declared as districts free from the foot and mouth disease (FMD).

The Director of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Malaysia, Dr Akma Ngah Hamid, said the department is targeting seven more districts to receive the same status this year.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, the state government and DVS are formulating a policy that Malaysia needs to achieve a disease-free status if the country, especially Selangor, wants to defend the farming industry in the future.

“The extension of this policy, the Free Farm Animal Disease Maintenance Programme, started in 2020 and focus is now directed to FMD and Brucellosis for ruminant animals and the Newcastle’s Disease for poultry,” he said.

He said this during a seminar at the Selangor DVS Headquarters today.

Dr Akma said five strategies outlined for the success of it is to control the importation of livestock, transport and slaughter of livestock, ready, and in terms of medicines and equipment and carry out strategic vaccination.

DVS also organised awareness campaigns for disease control, like the seminar that was held today.

He said that a special seminar for poultry farmers will be held in Kuala Selangor, on 12 August.

Earlier, more than 50 participants from Selangor attended the seminar specifically for ruminant livestock today.

The objective of the seminar was to create awareness and increase understanding among farmers about the importance of maintaining animal disease free zone.

The seminar will also explain the importance of swift action to control the disease by reporting any signs immediately.

NS