Cambodia Bans Thai Meat Over Anthrax Fears

[geovalin]

Mukdahan provincial

 

 

Cambodia has imposed an immediate ban on all livestock and meat imports from Thailand amid rising concerns over an anthrax outbreak affecting cattle across the border.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the move today as a precaution, confirming that no cases of anthrax have been detected within Cambodia to date. However, officials say the decision was made in response to confirmed infections in parts of Thailand and aims to prevent any risk of the disease spreading into the country.

 

The temporary ban applies to all border crossings and is being enforced in cooperation with relevant authorities to strengthen inspection and monitoring.

 

In addition, the General Department of Animal Health and Animal Production has activated a nationwide rapid response network. This task force—spread across all 25 capitals and provinces—is now on high alert to detect and respond swiftly to any suspicious livestock illnesses.

 

A ministry spokesperson said Cambodia is taking a “strict and preventive approach” and will continue to issue updates on the situation as it evolves. Residents and businesses are urged to remain cautious but calm, and to report any unusual symptoms in animals.

 

Anthrax, a serious bacterial infection primarily affecting livestock, can also be transmitted to humans in rare cases, often through the handling or consumption of contaminated meat.

 

The Ministry has made clear that this is a preventive step, not a reaction to any domestic outbreak, and is part of broader efforts to uphold public health and food safety.

 

For further guidance or to report suspected cases, the public can contact the ministry’s hotline at 1289.

 

How long the import ban will remain in place has not been disclosed.

 

-2025-05-07