October 18, 2007

China reports drop in major animal disease outbreaks

China has seen a drop in major animal disease outbreaks, such as bird flu and foot-and-mouth diseases in recent years, according to China Daily.

The 52 cases of bird flu reported in 2004 fell to 32 in 2005 and 11 in 2006, the paper said.

During the first nine months to September, only three incidents were reported.

China detected 17 cases of foot-and-mouth disease in 2005, this fell to 10 in 2006. There have been seven outbreaks so far this year.

Over the calendar year to date, about 280,000 pigs contracted blue ear disease in 286 Chinese counties, resulting in more than 70,000 deaths.

The number of cases fell sharply towards the end of August and was reported in 14 counties and reportedly spread no further.

With fewer cases of animal epidemic diseases, China's meat production is expected to continue to stabilise, the paper reported.