August 22, 2006

China reports foot-and-mouth outbreak

China has reported a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle in the western province of Qinghai, a state newspaper said on Tuesday (Aug 22).

The outbreak in Huangzhong county, which was confirmed last week, resulted in the slaughter of 50 cattle, the Beijing News said, citing an Agriculture Ministry notice.

There have been at least three other outbreaks in Qinghai since July.

Foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans and outbreaks are relatively easy to control. However, the contagious disease reduces meat and milk production.

Outbreaks have resulted in the slaughter of more than 1,000 animals in China so far this year.