SERDANG: The current chicken supply shortage is expected to be resolved in a month, says Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Norlizan Mohd Noor.

       There will be adequate supply to meet demand for the Aidiladha celebration next month, he added.

       Dr Norlizan said this was following intervention and inter-agency engagement sessions involving industry players to find out the main problems related to the supply issue.

       “They are committed to increasing production. We are in the recovery process,” he told reporters after the 2022 National World Veterinary Day celebration here yesterday, Bernama reported.

       From these engagement sessions, it was found that the shortage was influenced by several factors such as climate change, disease, lack of workers and the use of open cages and unscheduled chicken vaccination processes, he added.

       According to Dr Norlizan, almost 80% of chicken breeders in the country use open poultry houses, which are exposed to odour and fly pollution, and only a few of them use the enclosed chicken coop system with optimal technology.

       Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid confirmed that the situation is improving.

       Earlier, in her speech, Haslina said the ministry, through the department, has formulated various strategies on animal welfare, including curbing livestock diseases and ensuring that the food supply from animal products is always sufficient.

       She added that the government has agreed to set up the National Ruminant Board to further boost the industry’s growth.