PUTRAJAYA today lifted a ban on live cattle and buffalo imports from Australia, which had been imposed after Indonesia said it had detected lumpy skin disease (LSD) in livestock from the country, said authorities.

LSD is an infectious viral disease that causes reduced milk production, temporary or permanent sterility, and sometimes death, but poses no risk to humans.

Malaysia imposed the temporary suspension early last month as a precaution.

“The Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has withdrawn its order to suspend the import of live cattle and buffalo from Australia with immediate effect,” said the DVS in a statement.

“The decision to lift this import ban is the result of Australia’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department sharing the full investigation report after two technical discussion sessions with DVS.”

Indonesian authorities previously said they detected LSD cases in 13 animals from Australia from May, and moved to suspend imports from four facilities.

Australia’s chief veterinary officer Mark Schipp denied LSD was ever detected in the country’s cattle or buffalo and said it remains free of the disease.

Malaysia imports cattle and buffalo from Australia worth around US$5.5 million (RM25.7 million) every year.

“DVS hopes the decision to withdraw the import ban will give relief to the industry and all Malaysians,” it said. – AFP, September 6, 2023.