MILK can be hazardous to your health, experts are warning. Raw milk from a tubercular cow, drunk without boiling, can be infectious, says Dr Aung Gyi, deputy director general of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department (LBVD).

“The meat is not infectious to consumers because it is well cooked, but milk can spread the disease because it is half-boiled,” he said.

“Husbandries should be aware that this is a kind of airborne disease.”
Infected cows suffer weight loss and a reduction in milk production.

The Law of Animal Health and Development, prescribed by the department, forbids the sale of animals suffering from infectious diseases, Dr Aung Gyi said.

He said the department had instructed husbandries to report any TB outbreak to their local LBVD office. Failure to report could result in a K5000 fine and six months’ imprisonment.