Foot-and-mouth disease in cattle not fatal — Agriculture Ministry

AMMAN — Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in cattle is not fatal, however, it can affect milk yields as it causes fever in cows, the Ministry of Agriculture said on Tuesday. 

Denying reports that the disease can lead to high mortality rates among cattle, the ministry said that only a limited number of newborn calves — and only those exclusively breastfed — can be afflicted with FMD, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The death rate of cattle in the Kingdom is below normal rates. Six deaths have been recorded, reportedly for reasons unrelated to FMD, the ministry said. 

The ministry is taking measures to protect cattle and control the spread of infection, the ministry said, adding that no cases have been reported outside the Al Dhaleel region. 

Legal measures will be taken against any attempt to mislead the public or harm the reputation of Jordanian products, the ministry emphasised.