Phnom Penh — Cambodia has imposed a temporary ban on the importation of livestock and meat products from Thailand across all border crossings, following an outbreak of anthrax reported in Thailand. The measure aims to prevent the spread of the disease and safeguard Cambodia’s livestock industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the action in a press release issued on May 6, 2025. According to the release, Cambodia currently has no cases of anthrax. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation in Thailand, where recent developments have heightened concerns about zoonotic disease transmission.

Anthrax, a disease that predominantly affects cattle and buffalo, has not been detected in Cambodia, confirmed Ly Sovann, director of the Department of Communicable Disease Control (CDC), according to media reports. He emphasized that the public should remain cautious by avoiding the consumption of raw beef or buffalo meat and refraining from slaughtering sick animals for sale to prevent potential transmission.

Recent reports from Thai media indicate two cases of anthrax in Thailand last week, including one death—the first such fatality in 30 years in the country. Investigations linked the infections to consumption of raw beef contaminated with anthrax bacteria, particularly during a religious ceremony in Mukdahan province. Over 247 individuals are currently under observation as high-risk contacts, and livestock quarantines have been imposed. The outbreak has highlighted vulnerabilities in both Thailand’s public health and livestock management systems.

In response, the Cambodian Ministry has imposed a temporary ban on all animal and meat imports from Thailand, working closely with border authorities to enforce heightened supervision and control measures. The General Department of Animal Health and Animal Production has established a rapid response network across all 25 provinces to monitor animal health and respond swiftly to suspected cases.