Malaysia Scraps Plan to Export Pesky Monkeys

Authors:

Bendeich M. Reuters

Document Type:

Media

Citation:

Bendeich M. (2008, February 4). Malaysia Scraps Plan to Export Pesky Monkeys. Reuters [online]. Available. http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46745/story.htm [2009, ebruary 9]

Year Published:

2008

Type Work:

News Release

Availability:

online

Location of Project:

Malaysia

Language:

english

Country:

Malaysia

Url:

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/46745/story.htm

Bushmeat Asian Type:

Wildlife Trade

Keywords:

Malaysia; monkey trade; wildlife trade; primate trade; long-tailed macaque; disease; laboratory animal; bushmeat; human health

Abstract:

In August, the government said it would end a ban on the export of long-tailed macaques after complaints that they were too aggressive and had attacked residents. Animal-rights groups objected, saying the monkeys would be sold to laboratories. But the New Straits Times said on Saturday the government had now reversed its decision after discovering that the monkeys were riddled with diseases and that no one would want to buy them. "They were supposed to fulfil the demand for exotic meat in a few countries in Asia and in the West," the daily quoted Natural Resources and Environment Minister Azmi Khalid as saying. A recent study found 80 percent of urban macaques carried diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis and AIDS, he said. "Only 20 percent were healthy and, of this, only half the number were suitable for export," he added. The report also quoted Azmi as saying the diseases could pose a threat to human health, but it gave no idea as to how the government now...