No Anthrax in Malaysia, but authorities heighten vigilance over Thai outbreak
Anthrax is a rare but serious disease caused by bacteria, typically transmitted through contact with infected animals or the consumption of contaminated meat. It is not spread from person to person.
Kedah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director Dr Shaharul Akmar Talib said the outbreak occurred in Thailand's Mukdahan province, far from Malaysia, but precautionary measures have nonetheless been taken.
"Surveillance has been stepped up at ICQS (Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security) complexes. States have been alerted to remain vigilant, and at the federal level, the department is coordinating with Thai authorities," he told the New Straits Times today.
Shaharul assured that Malaysia has not recorded any anthrax cases for over 50 years.
"The last case occurred in 1968. If any cases were to emerge, they would be quarantined immediately," he said.
He said that Malaysia does not import raw meat from Thailand, but live cattle are brought in for slaughter.
"These animals are quarantined at designated centres in Kedah, Perlis, and Kelantan. All imports are screened by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), which issues permits and enforces biosecurity protocols.
"Officers from Maqis and the department work jointly at entry points such as Bukit Kayu Hitam," he added.
He said that no import ban has been imposed for now, but an inter-agency meeting is expected to take place soon to review the situation.
Yesterday, it was reported that Thailand had confirmed two anthrax cases, including one death.
The victim, a 53-year-old man from Mukdahan, is believed to have handled or consumed contaminated meat.
Thai authorities are tracing over 600 people potentially exposed to the disease, including 36 individuals involved in livestock slaughtering.
Keywords: News Malaysia Nst 1968 Veterinary Services Department Anthrax Thailand. No Case Malaysia News Live Cattle
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