Health workers check a cow which is infected with foot and mouth disease in Kon Tum Province on February 5.
According to a report from local authorities, the highly contagious disease has been reported in three villages in Xop and Dak Nhoong communes.
"Up to 63 cows and 10 buffaloes of 33 households have developed foot and mouth disease symptoms over the past six days," the report said.
Local animal health departments and farmers have been instructed to treat infected animals properly.
Local authorities have also sprayed disinfectants and taken other measures to prevent the transmission of the virus.
Foot and mouth disease is a severe, highly contagious viral disease that affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and other cloven-hoofed ruminants.
Infected animals may develop a fever of ~40 degrees Celsius, followed by lesions on the vesicular tongue and other mouth parts. Acutely affected individuals may salivate profusely (drooling), stamp their feet, and prefer to lie down.
