Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in SW China

BEIJING, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said Monday that foot-and-mouth disease infections were confirmed in livestock in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

A total of 30 pigs at a slaughterhouse in the city of Guangyuan showed symptoms associated with foot-and-mouth disease on Saturday, according to the ministry.

The National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory on Monday confirmed that those pigs were infected with type-O foot-and-mouth disease, it said.

To prevent the disease from spreading, local authorities have sealed off and sterilized the infected area, where a total of 124 pigs have been culled and safely disposed of, according to the MOA.

"The disease is now under proper control," it said.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious and sometimes fatal viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic and wild bovid.

We recommend:
Rare photos of Shaolin monks revealed	Breath-taking moments of top female stars	A romantic proposal during Xiamen marathon
Mouth-watering! Tasty breakfast around world	Top 20 Chinese beauties favored by netizens	How sweet! Look at these adorable angels
2012's top 10 cinematic sensations	Top 10 China fashion moments 2012	2012's most hilarious photos of cute animals