Veterinary Sector Key To Safeguarding National Food Security - DVS

PUTRAJAYA, April 21 (Bernama) -- The role of the veterinary sector is becoming increasingly critical in ensuring national food security as the world faces supply chain challenges due to geopolitical conflicts and rising food production costs.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DV) said the conflict in West Asia and issues related to energy supply, logistics and agricultural inputs, such as fertilisers and animal feed, have led to an increase in food production costs and necessitated adjustments in the management of global supply chains.

“This situation indirectly encourages food-importing countries, including Malaysia, to continue to strengthen domestic production capabilities,” it said in a statement in conjunction with the Veterinary Day (SHV2026) and Customer Engagement Day celebrations here today.

As such, the DVS said the veterinary profession plays a strategic role in ensuring the country’s food supply is always stable through monitoring livestock health, increasing farm productivity, disease control and implementing effective biosecurity practices.

The expertise of veterinarians in managing animal health and livestock production systems is key to increasing the country’s self-sufficiency level and reducing dependence on food imports, it added.

The DVS said the role encompassed animal disease control, zoonotic disease prevention, monitoring the safety of animal-based products and supporting the development of a sustainable livestock industry.

It added that veterinarians are also a key pillar in supporting the “One Health” approach that connects animal, human and environmental health holistically, particularly in facing the threat of infectious diseases that can affect public health and the country’s economy.

The DVS said its responsibilities and roles are also aligned with the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (NAP 2.0), which sets the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) target for several major commodities by 2030.

These include 50 per cent for beef or buffalo meat, 140 per cent for chicken or duck meat, 123 per cent for eggs, 100 per cent for fresh milk and 30 per cent for goat or mutton.

In conjunction with the celebration, five categories of the Excellent Veterinarian Awards were also presented to recognise the contributions and excellence of veterinarians in various fields, including service, education, ruminant industry development, animal welfare and veterinary medical students.

The event was further enlivened with knowledge-sharing sessions and professional forums that brought together industry experts in collaboration with the Malaysian Veterinary Medical Association (MAVMA) to discuss the strategic role of veterinarians in strengthening the country’s agrofood system.

Themed "Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health", this year’s celebration emphasised the important role of the veterinary profession as the frontline in safeguarding the food supply chain to ensure the security and health of the community as a whole.

-- BERNAMA