(KPL)  Thai authorities have confirmed an outbreak of anthrax in Mukdahan Province, a serious bacterial disease primarily affecting livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. The disease, caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis, can also be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products.

Anthrax bacteria are highly resilient and can survive in soil for long periods. Grazing animals can become infected by ingesting or inhaling spores, leading to severe blood poisoning and death. The infection can spread through feces, saliva, milk, and blood, posing a serious risk to both animal and human health.

In response, the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has issued a nationwide directive to all provincial and Vientiane Capital Departments of Agriculture and Forestry, especially in border provinces, to immediately suspend the import and transit of animals and animal products from Thailand. The restriction applies to cattle, buffaloes, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats, and will remain in effect until the outbreak is declared under control.

All international, local, and traditional checkpoints connected to Thailand are required to enforce strict inspections and disease prevention measures. Vehicles entering Laos from Thailand must be disinfected, and local authorities are instructed to increase livestock monitoring and surveillance.

Village authorities, veterinary networks, and farmers are urged to report any suspected cases of anthrax in animals or humans. Dead animals must not be dissected, consumed, or sold, and any sudden livestock deaths must be reported immediately to the District Agriculture and Forestry Office for testing and disease control.

To mitigate the risk of transmission, provincial and district authorities are also tasked with conducting public awareness campaigns to educate farmers about anthrax prevention, animal care, and hygiene. In high-risk areas, urgent vaccination campaigns against anthrax are being deployed.

Last year, Champasak Province reported three human cases of anthrax in Soukhouma District. The individuals were infected after consuming meat from livestock that had died suddenly. All three patients were hospitalized. In response, the district banned the trade and transport of animals, halted slaughterhouse operations, and prohibited the consumption of meat from animals with unknown causes of death.

Anthrax symptoms in humans may include skin blisters, gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and respiratory problems. Anyone showing such symptoms after contact with sick animals should seek immediate medical attention. Authorities have reminded the public to report abnormal illnesses or deaths in livestock and to avoid handling carcasses.

The latest Thai outbreak follows reports of at least 54 human cases of anthrax and multiple cattle deaths in Laos this month, prompting heightened surveillance across the region.

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KPL