KUALA LUMPUR: China has requested Malaysia to temporarily suspend the export of edible bird's nest products to the country following reports of a Newcastle Disease outbreak detected in chickens and ducks in Malaysia.
The suspension request was submitted by the General Administration of Customs China (GACC) to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), involving the export of both raw clean and unclean edible bird's nest products from Malaysia starting Dec 20, in accordance with the Protocol for the Export of Edible Bird's Nest Products from Malaysia to China.
According to a statement by the DVS, the suspension of exports was taken in response to reports of Newcastle Disease outbreaks detected in chickens and ducks in Malaysia from March to June, as reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
However, the DVS stated that there have been no detections of the disease at premises or in edible bird's nest products monitored by the department to date.
For the record, Newcastle Disease, or Avian Distemper, is caused by a Paramyxovirus infection and can spread through the air, water, and food contaminated with the virus.
"As a result of the export suspension, a total of 22 consignments involving 1.769 metric tonnes valued at RM7,233,302 from 13 exporting companies have faced clearance issues at China's entry points.
"DVS has held discussions with Malaysian edible bird's nest producers and exporters to provide the latest information and discuss solutions to the temporary suspension of edible bird's nest exports to China," the statement said.
Additionally, the DVS said that it has sent a detailed report on the outbreak status, including Newcastle Disease management actions in Malaysia, to the GACC to address the issue and ensure that edible bird's nest products sent to China are free from the disease.
"As a follow-up action to this issue, the DVS is updating the Protocol for the Export of Edible Bird's Nest Products from Malaysia to China for submission to the GACC to ensure that edible bird's nest exports can be carried out more effectively.
"DVS remains committed to ensuring compliance with international export requirements and protecting the interests of local exporters and producers," the statement added.