Photos by Asyraf Hamzah
SERDANG: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through its Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is currently reviewing the list of dairy products imported from countries affected by Avian influenza A (H5N1), better known as the bird flu virus.
Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said this includes dairy products such as milk and cheese that Malaysia imports from other countries, particularly from the United States (US).
"Yes (the review of the list of dairy products is currently being done), to detect if there is any virus (on the dairy products we import), whether it is from the US, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK) or Australia.
"If no virus is found in the products, there is no problem bringing them into Malaysia," he said when met at the launch of the 2024 Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition today.
Mohamad said this in response to whether the government is reviewing and looking into the import of dairy products such as milk and cheese from the US, following growing concerns over the bird flu virus strain there.
Meanwhile, Mohamad also stressed that the DVS has been continuously monitoring the situation as it involves the safety, security, and health of food production in the country.
"The department (DVS) is also very meticulous and strict regarding this issue due to the aspect of safety, security and health of (food production.)
"Therefore, swift action will be taken and the department will also advise the ministry on the areas (countries) we cannot import."
It was previously reported that the H5N1 bird flu virus strain has been detected in very high concentrations in raw milk from infected animals
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the strain has also led to the deaths of tens of millions of poultry, with wild birds as well as land and marine mammals also infected.
Meanwhile, following the spread of the infection among herds of cows, American health authorities reportedly said that milk sold in US stores is 'safe' from bird flu as pasteurisation effectively kills the disease.