Thai prime minister Srettha Thavisin pets Ko Muang Phet, a white buffalo who was sold for 18 million baht, at Government House in Bangkok on March 20, 2024. – Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin took the bull by the horns on March 20, 2024 as he welcomed an unusual visitor to his offices — an enormous white buffalo. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Thailand ordered a close watch on livestock on Thursday after an outbreak of anthrax in neighbouring Laos, where more than 50 suspected human cases have been reported.

Anthrax, which spreads through bacteria in soil, commonly infects grazing livestock and wild animals but can infect humans and be deadly in some cases.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered officials to closely monitor the disease and to “protect the public”.

Humans can become infected by breathing in the spores, eating contaminated food or touching bacteria with broken skin, for instance when handling diseased animals.

Media in secretive, communist Laos have reported 65 suspected cases, including 54 in southern Champasak province, which borders Thailand.

A Thai government statement referred to 54 cases reported this month.

“The PM has ordered the public health minister to closely monitor, especially near the borders,” spokesman Chai Watcharong said in the statement.

It also encouraged individuals to inform authorities if they notice any abnormalities in animals.

“If your cows or buffalos die suspiciously, please inform the authorities,” the statement said.

The government also encouraged those who had contacted “sick animals” to urgently see a doctor.

Thailand has had no reports of human anthrax cases since 2001.

The most it has ever reported in a single year is 102, in 1995, according to the ministry of public health.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Why are you flagging this comment?

I disagree with this user

Targeted harassment - posted harassing comments or discussions targeting me, or encouraged others to do so

Spam - posted spam comments or discussions

Inappropriate profile - profile contains inappropriate images or text

Threatening content - posted directly threatening content

Private information - posted someone else''s personally identifiable information

Before flagging, please keep in mind that Disqus does not moderate communities. Your username will be shown to the moderator, so you should only flag this comment for one of the reasons listed above.

We will review and take appropriate action.

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardians leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.

Follow Us