VIENTIANE, March 12 (Xinhua) -- 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 are 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 areas from which the cases originated. Local authorities have also been tasked with disinfecting all areas where cases have been detected, according to the report.

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a spore-forming bacterium, which occurs naturally in soil and mainly affects livestock and wild animals.

People can get sick with anthrax if they have contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products. Enditem

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