Vientiane: The Minister of Agriculture revealed encouraging news that the Lao People's Democratic Republic has eased its restrictions on the import of animals from Thailand. This decision comes after a thorough assessment of the anthrax outbreak, allowing the resumption of imports of cows, buffaloes, and pigs from areas verified to be free from the disease.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, announced that the Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry of the Lao People's Democratic Republic issued a letter on May 30, 2025. The letter informs about the relaxation of import and transportation restrictions on animals and animal products from Thailand, following improvements in the anthrax situation in Don Tan District, Mukdahan Province.
The announcement from the Lao government outlines several key points: first, the import of cattle, buffalo, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats from Thailand is now permitted, particularly from provinces that share a border with Thailand. Second, all imported and transited animals and animal products must originate from disease-free areas, with animals vaccinated against anthrax at least 20 days prior to the import date. Third, the import and transit of animals and animal products originating from or passing through Mukdahan Province remain suspended for an additional 30 days. Lastly, during this suspension period, animals intended for import must undergo a quarantine of at least 21 days before being integrated into local herds. If these animals are transported to a third country, there must be no change of vehicle or stopover in the Lao PDR.
The Minister emphasized that these measures reflect the cooperative spirit and confidence of the Lao PDR in Thailand's disease control system. She confirmed Thailand's commitment to maintaining strict surveillance and control measures for animal diseases to uphold health standards and support the safe and sustainable international trade of animals.