Published Date: 2023-10-25 21:00:20 BST
Subject: PRO/AH/EDR> Foot & mouth disease - Thailand: (PY) buffalo
Archive Number: 20231025.8712812
FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE - THAILAND: (PHAYAO) BUFFALO
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Date: Tue 24 Oct 2023
Source: The Thaiger [edited]
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/mysterious-buffalo-deaths-in-phayao-prompt-foot-and-mouth-disease-fears-and-urgent-investigations#google_vignette
A number of buffaloes have been found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Phayao province, in northern Thailand. The livestock department of Phayao province suspected the cause to be foot-and-mouth disease and has expedited investigations to affirm the cause of death.
The incident occurred in village number 10 of Champa Wai sub-district, Mueang district, Phayao province, where the local livestock department has been inspecting the dead buffaloes to identify the cause.
The Phayao Provincial Livestock Department has ordered the local offices in Mueang Phayao and Dok Khamtai districts to accelerate the implementation of 5 emergency measures. Consuming the meat from the dead animals is strictly prohibited, and all carcasses are to be destroyed and buried.
Measures include:
- Isolating the sick animals from the herd for treatment with antibiotics.
- Performing post-mortem examinations of the dead buffaloes and collecting internal organ samples for lab testing.
- Disinfecting the affected areas and buffalo farms within a 5-kilometre [3.1 mi] radius of the incident site;
- Promptly identifying more sick animals in nearby risk areas.
- Accelerating the vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease for all buffaloes within a 5-kilometre [3.1 mi] radius of the outbreak.
The population of buffaloes in this area is approximately 300.
No additional buffalo deaths have been reported recently. The tissue examination is expected to take about 5 to 10 days. Meanwhile, the livestock department has advised against consuming the meat of the dead buffaloes. All carcasses have been destroyed and buried, reported Khaosod.
In related news, a chain of mobile health centres in Phuket has arranged for free rabies vaccinations for pet felines and canines. Phuket's Wichit Municipality unveiled a series of mobile centres tailored to offer free rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs.
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[FMD is endemic in Thailand, with peaks typically occurring seasonally/coinciding with the rainy season. See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36321258/ for a summary on recent FMD trends in Thailand to include current and predictive maps of outbreaks. Phayao itself sits on the southern edge of one of the predicted hotspot areas. - Mod.JH
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