October 31, 2019

Foot and mouth disease outbreak hits cattle in northeast Thailand

Cattle markets have been closed in all 26 districts from November 1 to November 30, 2019 to curb the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD), reported Bangkok Post.

The closure, announced by Governor Somsak Jangtrakul, follows the announcement to declare the following districts as animal disease epidemic zones - Muang, Kranuan and Nam Phong - from October 25 to November 25, 2019. These districts are where dairy cows are mainly raised in Thailand.

It is believed that the FMD outbreak began from the cattle markets, said Governor Somsak.

The Governor added FMD disease typically spreads when the nation's rainy season shifts to winter. All cattle that display FMD symptoms must be quarantined, and unaffected cattle are obligated to be vaccinated. Disinfectants must be sprayed on vehicles that transport cattle.

FMD symptoms include fever, mouth blisters, shaky lips, frothing mouth, hoof blisters, lower milk yield, loss of weight and a low appetite. Local livestock officials must be immediately informed if farmers identify these symptoms among their livestock.

-    Bangkok Post