China says curbs foot-and-mouth outbreak in Qinghai

BEIJING, Nov 3 (Reuters) China has contained an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the northwestern province of Qinghai, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Local authorities have culled 58 cows after tests confirmed on Oct 30 the presence of Asia Type One foot-and-month disease at a village in Yushu county, the ministry said on its Web site (www.agri.gov.cn).

Foot-and-mouth disease does not affect humans and outbreaks are relatively easy to control, but the disease can have a serious impact on the livestock industry by reducing meat and milk production.

Outbreaks that resulted in the slaughter of more than 1,000 animals were reported around China last year.

REUTERS PD PM0910