May 2, 2006

China discovers more outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease

China discovered another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease among livestock in the western province of Qinghai.

Symptoms of the Asian I strain of foot-and-mouth were discovered in four dairy cows on a farm in Haiyan County on Wednesday (April 26), the Ministry Of Agriculture said in a statement.

The ministry and the provincial government were taking emergency measures to contain the outbreak such as disinfecting the area and culling, the statement said. The province's veterinary office said it has already culled 34 cattle, pigs and goats.

The disease is harmless to humans, but is highly contagious. It causes blisters in the mouths of hogs, sheep and cattle and reduces milk and meat production. It can be carried by the wind and on the clothes of people as well

Qinghai province reported a separate outbreak on Mar 19, the ministry said.

The outbreak in Qinghai is China's fifth case this year, according to the agriculture ministry. The country reported outbreaks in Gansu, Ningxia and Jiangsu province this year.