1-4-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai government has issued a directive for officials to intensify their surveillance of livestock along the border with Laos, following reports of over 50 individuals contracting anthrax in the neighboring country. Thai authorities have been collaborating closely with their Laotian counterparts, actively monitoring the outbreak and preparing vaccines in anticipation of potential infections in Thailand. Narong Leangcharuen, the director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services at the Department of Livestock Development, revealed in an interview with Thai state broadcaster NBT on Friday that the transportation of livestock across the border is now subject to stringent control measures. He also cautioned livestock farmers to quarantine animals originating from Laos and to promptly report any suspicious illnesses or deaths.
According to Chai Watcharong, the spokesperson for the Thai government, reports from Laos indicate that 54 individuals have fallen ill due to the disease. In a statement released on Thursday, Watcharong stated that Thailand’s Department of Disease Control is actively coordinating with local authorities, particularly those situated along the border, to closely monitor the situation. Earlier this month, Laotian media outlets reported cases of livestock deaths and individuals contracting the disease in the southern province of Champasak, which shares a border with Thailand. Thankfully, there have been no recorded human fatalities thus far.
Anthrax is a rare yet severe disease caused by bacteria that primarily affects grazing animals. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with or consumption of infected animals and can be fatal, although the risk of human-to-human transmission remains low.
