10-3-2024 (BANGKOK) The Department of Livestock Development is issuing a public warning against the consumption of uncooked meat following reports of an anthrax outbreak in Laos, as stated by Kenika Ounjit, deputy government spokeswoman.
Ms Kenika revealed on Saturday that the news surfaced through a report on the World Forum Facebook page published last Wednesday. According to the post, three anthrax cases were reported on March 4 in Soukhoumma district, located in the Lao province of Champasak. Notably, Champasak shares its border with Thailand’s eastern Ubon Ratchathani province.
“Please avoid eating uncooked meat,” urged Ms Kenika, emphasizing that this includes raw beef, buffalo, goat, and sheep. “The meat must be truly cooked.”
Anthrax, a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis found in contaminated soil or grass, poses a risk when livestock consume the bacteria. It can spread throughout their bodies, causing their blood to turn black and eventually leading to death.
Ms Kenika highlighted the potential transmission to humans after consuming uncooked meat from contaminated animals. Symptoms, which may manifest within two months after infection, range from small blisters, headaches, and diarrhea to shortness of breath. An anthrax infection could prove fatal if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.
To prevent the disease from entering the country, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has instructed the Department of Livestock Development to heighten surveillance. Measures include tightening animal quarantine and conducting rigorous checks for smuggled livestock along the Thai-Lao border.
Farmers are urged to report sudden animal deaths, although there is currently no outbreak reported in Thailand. Ms Kenika assured that the department is also preparing vaccines for cattle as a preventive measure against a potential outbreak.
