Malaysian pork producers have called on the authorities to approve swine flu vaccines and enforce a blanket ban on foreign pork products.

Their representative, Malaysian Federation of Livestock Farmers' Association (Swine Unit) president Beh Kim Hee said the move was necessary to prevent the Mexican swine flu from reaching Malaysian shores.

livestock farmer association swine flu pc 290409 group photo Speaking at a press conference in Subang Jaya today, Beh said previously the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) did not approve the vaccines because the situation then did not warrant so.

But now, Beh said, although the DVS had declared that Malaysian pig farms were free from the virus, a local vaccination program was crucial to protect livestock in view of the global spread of the virus.

“We have applied for five years (for permission) to use the vaccine. Looking at the severity of the problem now, we are now again asking the authorities for permission,” he said.

Beh also urged the government to ignore calls by certain importers to continue the import of pork products.

He said that a blanket ban of pork products from all countries, at least temporarily, was a necessary precaution.

"We are fearful that the spread is wider than reported. It is better to err in extreme caution. Malaysian lives are too precious and the economy will suffer if the disease strikes the country," he said.

MoH to vaccinate frontliners and pigs

According to Beh, local farms produce 120,000 tonnes of pork annually, which is sufficient for local consumption. There would not be a shortfall if the government bans imports, which is estimated to be only about 5,000 tonnes annually.

Beh also praised the DVS for holding a series of meetings with pig farmers in every state to brief them about the latest developments over the swine flu outbreak.

The deadly swine flu outbreak, has reportedly claimed more than 159 lives in Mexico, where the virus originated, and confirmed infections have been detected in eight other countries including the United States, New Zealand and most recently in Germany.

bn penang koh tsu koon liow tiong lai 100808 03 In a related development, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai today announced that 200,000 frontliners - including doctors, nurses, police and immigration personnel manning the country’s entry points - would be vaccinated against the swine flu.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Liow said that DVS also plans to vaccinate pigs as well.

He adds that his department will also be vigilantly monitoring the 778 pig farms nationwide.

According to Liow, there has been no confirmed cases of swine flu thus far.

“I must reiterate that as of now, 2.30pm today, no case of influenza-like illness with symptoms of swine flu infection has been found in Malaysia.

“I urge the public to remain calm but at the same time to be on high alert, especially to seek medical attention when they have flu, fever and cough,” said Liow, according to Star Online today.