Australia Suspends Import Of Dogs Cats From Malaysia

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Australia has temporarily disallowed the importation of dogs and cats from Malaysia following the discovery of several animals being brought into the country without meeting set regulations
The suspension would also affect individual permit holders who have previously met import conditions and are awaiting the arrivals of their pets
Australia’s Agriculture, Water and the Environment Department said the decision was made due to concern over “potentially serious biosecurity risks associated with the importation of dogs and cats from Malaysia”
The suspension is made effective from Feb 5

“The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has recently become aware that dogs and cats have been imported to Australia from Malaysia without having met the relevant import conditions
“The suspension will affect current import permit holders who have not yet imported their animal to Australia, and individuals (or their agents) who have submitted an application for an import permit listing Malaysia as the country of export
“...Given the severity of the potential biosecurity risks, the department is unable to consider circumstances applying to individual animals or owners,” the department announced on its website
It added that preparations such as blood tests, vaccinations, parasite treatments already carried out on dogs and cats in Malaysia before export will no longer be accepted for the time being
However, the suspension does not affect dogs and cats from other countries transiting at KL International Airport
Authorities there are investigating the matter and is working with Malaysian authorities, it said
“At this time the department is unable to advise as to when the matter will be resolved. The department is actively working with the relevant Malaysian authorities. - Mkini

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