Pictures courtesy of SiamRath 

 

A major livestock disease outbreak in Surin province has killed more than 900 cattle and buffaloes, prompting urgent containment measures and emergency assistance for affected farmers. The crisis, confirmed on 4 December 2025, has caused significant economic damage to households reliant on livestock, with local officials warning farmers not to consume dead animals and to bury them properly. Authorities say the spread of foot-and-mouth disease and blood parasite infections continues to threaten the province’s 600,000 cattle and buffaloes, though efforts to control the situation are now accelerating.

 

The outbreak began in late October and has since escalated across six districts: Mueang Surin, Sangkha, Kap Choeng, Srinagarindra, Lamduan and Prasat. In response, Deputy Governor Jamroen Waenpetch, acting as Surin governor, convened the provincial disaster assistance committee to declare disaster zones and approve emergency relief for affected farmers. Officials confirmed the diseases involved include bovine anaplasmosis and theileriasis, both blood parasite infections contributing to widespread animal illness and death.

 

Surin’s Provincial Livestock Office reported that more than 900 animals have died, with losses affecting farmers’ investment costs, household income and overall economic stability. Provincial Livestock Officer Dr. Apichai Nakeesang said teams from all districts, aided by the Department of Livestock Development, have been deployed to control the spread, collect field data and support farmers. Disinfection and preventive spraying have been carried out widely, helping stabilise the situation and reducing new cases.

 

Dr. Apichai stated that medicine and veterinary supplies are now being distributed to field teams to prevent further losses and reduce mortality among infected herds. He added that with ongoing intervention, the outbreak is expected to ease significantly within one to two weeks. Meanwhile, the province has urged farmers to document evidence of animal illness and deaths for compensation assessments.

 

SiamRath reported that farmers have been reminded that cattle and buffalo carcasses must not be eaten under any circumstances due to health risks. Instead, dead animals must be buried properly, with local officials present to confirm compliance. The provincial committee is currently reviewing compensation for farmers whose animals have died, and authorities say they will expedite payments once verification is complete.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• More than 900 cattle and buffaloes have died in Surin since the outbreak began in late October.

• Authorities have declared disaster zones in six districts and launched extensive containment measures.

• Livestock officials expect the outbreak to ease within one to two weeks as supplies and support continue.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Siamrath 2025-12-05

 

How did the disease arrive in Thailand now?  Illegal immigrants/workers, scam centre escapees, biological warfare?