Nov. 18 - China has reported two fresh outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease in the southwest and northwest of the country, where nearly 200 head of cattle were culled.

 

Three cattle from two villages in Wanzhou district of Chongqing municipality in the southwest showed symptoms on November 5, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release.

 

The authorities culled 85 head of cattle and pigs to guard against the spread of the disease, according to the statement published on the ministry website.

 

Another outbreak was in Yongdeng county in the northwest province of Gansu, where nine cattle showed the symptoms on November 10.

 

The authorities ordered the culling of 181 cattle in the area.

 

Both outbreaks were under control, the ministry said.

 

The northwest province of Qinghai reported an outbreak of the disease on September 30.

 

Foot-and-mouth is a severe, highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle, pigs, sheep and other cloven-hoofed livestock. It is not usually fatal but causes losses in the production of meat and milk.