Lao authorities have banned the movement of livestock from Soukhouma district in southern Laos’ Champasak province after three people were infected with anthrax in the area.

One of the three confirmed cases was admitted to the intensive care unit of a provincial hospital, Lao national TV reported on Tuesday.

To prevent an outbreak, the Agriculture and Forestry Office of Soukhoumma district issued a notice, urging all relevant sectors, including residents and small businesses, not to trade animals or their products outside the district.

According to the notice issued on March 4, animal owners were encouraged to monitor their livestock closely and promptly report any suspicious symptoms to authorities.

Laos’ Ministry of Health urged authorities in Soukhouma district to monitor the butchering and consumption of meat in the areas where the cases originated.

According to the report, local authorities have also been tasked with disinfecting all areas where cases have been detected.

(Xinhua/NAN)