China bans the import of cows from Laos due to a serious disease

The Chinese Customs Administration on Thursday, July 22, imposed a ban on the carriage of cows and beef carts from Laos to prevent the spread of lumpy skin disease. China took this step after the first outbreak was reported. China took the measure after Laos reported the first cattle outbreaks in early July, reports Reuters. Last year, the disease was also reported in animals in China. Lumpy skin disease is caused by the smallpox virus. It has been spreading in Africa and the Middle East since 2012, and has also been reported in south-eastern Europe, in particular in Greece, Bulgaria and some Balkan countries. The World Organization for Animal Health encourages its members at risk to initiate a vaccination campaign before the virus spreads. Read more: Milk purchase prices go up Lumpy skin disease is a viral disease of cattle and buffaloes. In Poland, the disease fought ex officio is forbidden to vaccinate. The characteristic feature is varicose-like skin changes. The symptoms of ...