KOTA KINABALU: The recent livestock census in the state revealed significant declines in the populations of cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep, said State Veterinary Services Department director Dr Mary Josephine Golingai.
"One factor contributing to this decline is the uncontrolled animal slaughtering without public notifying the department.
"Therefore, enforcement will be carried out under Section 7A of the Minor Offences Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 80), empowering the department to take action against anyone slaughtering animals without written permission from the director or an authorised public officer.
"If convicted, the offender may face a fine of RM500 and imprisonment for six months," she said during the awareness programme in Kiulu near here.
The programme aims to prevent the outbreak of the Newcastle disease virus strain NDV4 at the village level.
The programme included the distribution of vaccine-coated corn to be fed to livestock and poultry to prevent disease infections.
"Chickens are commonly attacked by Newcastle disease, known as 'busau' by the village community.
"Therefore, prevention through vaccination and biosecurity measures is key to avoiding outbreaks," she said, adding that it could also increase livestock populations, providing a valuable source of protein for villagers.
The programme also seeks to educate villagers on animal and zoonotic diseases that can infect humans.
Jointly organised by the department and the Tuaran parliamentary service office, the event was attended by Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
At the programme, UM Unitrading donated 1,000 chicks for distribution to more than 300 participants.