Malcon 2 Contains Brucellosis Outbreak in Afghanistan's Bamiyan Province

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Contingent 2 International Security Assistance Force (Malcon 2 ISAF) has successfully contained a brucellosis outbreak during a recent mission to Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province, Chief of Defence Forces General Zulkifeli Mohd Zain said. He said the project, which received recognition from the United States, would be extended to other regions in the former war-torn country. Brucellosis is an animal-to-human infection and has infected 687 persons and affecting 6,000 animals in the province, causing a decline in cattle production. "With the help of the local authorities, Malcon 2 ISAF produced 69,000 vaccines that were administered on 36,000 animals," he said at the disbandment of the contingent and handing over of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) medals to team members at Wisma Transit, here. His text of speech was read out by Air Force chief General Rodzali Daud. The brucellosis outbreak intervention programme was held in collaboration with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team, United States Agency for International Development, Aga Khan Foundation and local veterinary authorities. The outbreak was first reported in 2008 which caused severe lungs and brain infection. The disease has been declared extinct in Malaysia as well as in developed countries. The contingent's public health specialist Major Dr Arshil Moideen said the project enlisted all public health officials to control the outbreak. They were assisted by representatives from the World Health Organisation, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, United Nations Children's Fund, Food and Agriculture Organisation, Ministry of Agriculture of Afghanistan, Ministry of Public Health as well as other parties. The team's tour of duty in Bamiyan started on April 26 and ended on Nov 5, comprising 40 personnel. -- BERNAMA