Thailand’s Buriram province has issued a warning of an outbreak of anthrax, a severe bacterial disease after three cases were detected in neighboring Laos, The Thaiger reports.
The disease, which can spread from animals to people, especially by consuming raw cattle and buffalo meat, has prompted increased surveillance and precautions.
The provincial veterinary office, led by veterinarian Apichat Suwanchairoba, stressed the need for vigilance against anthrax, which has not been reported in Thailand for a long time. The bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes severe symptoms in infected animals, and farmers are advised to seek veterinary care if they notice unusual behavior or lesions in their livestock.
The disease is manifested by high fever in animals and can lead to death, accompanied by the release of blood from various orifices, which does not clot. In this regard, authorities have stressed the importance of not slaughtering animals without professional supervision, as improper handling of contaminated carcasses could lead to the spread of the disease.
Additionally, in response to cases discovered in Laos on March 7, Thailand’s Livestock Development Department has strengthened border controls to prevent the illegal import of live cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep, as well as other livestock products. Farmers are encouraged to vaccinate their herds and report suspicious animal deaths to authorities.