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.

The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has announced the suspension of pork imports from Vietnam and other countries hit by the outbreak of African swine fever.

Lao Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh thanked Vietnam for its assistance in agricultural development while receiving Vietnamese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan in Vientiane on December 28.

Despite trading difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Laos' buffalo and cattle exports could exceed 200 million USD this year, according to the Vientiane Times.

Vietnam’s TE-FOOD company on May 13 signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Department of Livestock and Fisheries to build a herd management and information system for urgent epidemic prevention through smart phones, amidst the spreading African swine fever (ASF) in the region.

A delegation from the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry visited the north-western province of Dien Bien from September 24-27 to share experience in encouraging agricultural expansion and increase values of farm produce.

The Lao government plans to export one million tonnes of rice this year and ensure 2.1 million tonnes for domestic consumption.