Move to implement RBPT test not to inconvenience breeders - Terengganu exco

KUALA TERENGGANU: The implementation of Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) for the process of transferring livestock between districts in Terengganu is not a new rule established to cause any inconvenience to breeders.

State Agricultrue, Food Industries, Plantations, Commodities and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Azman Ibrahim said the rule which has been around for a long time was only enforced for interstate transfer of livestock.

He said many complaints and objections related to the enforcement of the blood sample taking rule for the test have also been received from breeders and wholesalers.

“The state government is being blamed for establishing a new rule that is said to have caused inconvenience to breeders although it has existed for a long time.

“Before a rule is enforced, we are open for discussion to achieve a win-win situation. The role of the government is to safeguard the interests of all parties.

“Apart from ensuring that the slaughtered meat is safe for consumption, the livestock to be transferred must also be kept healthy so that there is no outbreak of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), brucellosis and haemorrhagic septicaemia to other areas,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Dr Azman said the rule has also been enforced in most states for livestock transfer between districts.

He added that the RBPT blood sample test is free and can be done in the field with immediate results.

“Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which can infect humans. It is therefore very important to ensure that the livestock are free from the disease by taking blood samples for RBPT testing.

“The Department of Veterinary Services is looking into various aspects before enforcing the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the RBPT test for interdistrict transfer by taking into account the interests of both breeders and consumers. So far it has not been enforced yet,” he said.

-- BERNAMA