BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has issued a warning regarding the serious health risks of anthrax, a deadly infectious disease that can lead to a fatality rate of up to 80%. This comes amid rising concerns in the Northeast, particularly in Loei province, where the discovery of dead cattle has raised alarms. The Department of Livestock Development (DLD) has stepped in to investigate the cause, initially suspecting the cattle may have consumed nylon rope that caused a blockage in their digestive systems, not a contagious animal disease.
Dr. Taweechai Visanuyothin, Director of the Department of Disease Control Region 9, Nakhon Ratchasima, explained that anthrax can be contracted directly from infected animals and manifests in humans within 1 to 5 days of exposure. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, the disease can lead to death. A recent case in Mukdahan Province resulted in a death after the individual consumed infected beef.
In response to the case in Mukdahan, local health authorities have designated the area as a control zone and provided medicine to those at high risk. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to disinfect the area and prevent further spread of the disease.
The Department of Livestock Development, in coordination with local health authorities, has been working to investigate the cause of the cattle deaths in Loei province. Authorities noted that the cattle were not showing signs of a widespread animal disease and may have ingested nylon rope used to bind hay, potentially causing a digestive blockage. The authorities have sent samples for further examination to confirm the cause of death.
