Anthrax Scare Shakes Beef Market in Mukdahan as Locals Switch to Fish & Poultry

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

Concerns over an anthrax outbreak have significantly impacted the beef market in the northeastern province of Mukdahan, where locals are increasingly turning to alternative meats such as fish, chicken and pork amid fears of infection.

Following the recent confirmation of a fatal case of anthrax in Don Tan district, consumer confidence in beef has sharply declined. The usually busy beef stalls at the municipal fresh market in Mukdahan’s Muang district have seen a dramatic drop in footfall, with many vendors reporting only sporadic sales throughout the day.

The main customers for these stalls, typically vendors of popular Isaan dishes such as larb (spicy minced meat salad), koi (raw minced beef salad), tom (beef soup), and soi ju (raw beef with blood), have significantly reduced their orders. Members of the public, too, are changing their eating habits, opting instead for safer choices like fish, chicken, and pork.

Before the anthrax scare, beef was highly popular among residents of Mukdahan and the broader northeastern region, especially in raw preparations that are a staple of local culinary traditions. However, the death of one individual due to anthrax in Don Tan district has led to heightened anxiety, especially given the bacterial nature of the infection, Bacillus anthracis, which can be transmitted through contaminated meat.

In response, Don Tan district officials have issued strict bans on the slaughter of cattle and buffalo during this month’s traditional Bun Bang Fai (rocket festival), a time when villages customarily gather and share meals that often include raw beef dishes. The district’s livestock officers are now conducting rigorous inspections to ensure compliance.

As a result, communities that would normally serve large quantities of beef at festive gatherings have been forced to adjust their menus. Dishes featuring fish, chicken, and pork have replaced raw beef on tables across the region, marking a significant cultural shift during one of the northeast’s most important annual celebrations.

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1359368-anthrax-death-reported-in-mukdahan-province/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.