February 28, 2006

Vietnam suspects cattle infected with FMD

About 140 cattle in Vietnam's Hanoi capital are displaying symptoms of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), said a local animal health official on Feb 27.

The official, who asked to be anonymous, said 82 cows and buffaloes and 44 pigs have developed scabies eruptions at their hooves. He said many of them are unable to stand and have stopped eating.

He said the affected animals may have been possibly infected with FMD, adding that local veterinary bureaus have already culled one cow and nine pigs.

Just last month, the two southern provinces of Long An and Tien Giang reported deaths of dozens of pigs. They were suspected to have died from FMD.