Public warned against eating meat from diseased animals
The Disease Control Department (DCD) has warned the public against eating the meat of animals that have died of disease.
Rabies, cases of which have been detected in 38 provinces over the past month, can infect mammals including pigs and cows.
“If an animal under your care dies suddenly of disease, do not eat its meat,” DCD directorgeneral Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai said on Tuesday.
He added that animal owners should also wear gloves to protect themselves from contamination while handling the carcass of any animal that has succumbed to disease.
Suwanchai said that as well as rabies, diseases like anthrax, Streptococcus suis and Brucellosis can also be passed on from animals to humans.
He said consumers should buy meat from places with high standards, such as department stores or shops certified by the state.
“Or you may look for the ‘Livestock OK’ sign,” he said.
The public should also eat only fully cooked meat, so as to reduce the risk of infections, Suwanchai added.