Foot-and-mouth disease reported in Vietnam's central Quang Nam province may worsen bird flu situations in the country, local newspaper Pioneer quoted a foreign expert as saying on Tuesday.

The disease, which has killed at least 1,000 cows and bulls and200 pigs in Quang Nam, appeared in an abnormal time, not according to its cycle in Southeast Asia, said the unnamed expert at a foreign agency, who is present in the province.

Like chickens, pigs could be a source for flu virus to jump to humans. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) advised bird flu-hit countries to closely watch pig herds which have contact to sick chickens, and immediately kill pigs if they are found to contract H5N1.

Foot-and-mouth disease has so far hit six districts and towns of Quang Nam since it was first detected in the province last December. The local authorities have killed affected pigs, banned transport of cattle in affected areas, and tightened control over slaughterhouses and meat markets.

Local veterinarian staff and local residents are detoxificating affected areas, treating affected cattle with antibiotics and acid substances, and vaccinating unaffected ones. The province has nearly 57,700 buffaloes, 176,900 cows and bulls, and 542,300 pigs.

(Xinhua News Agency February 11, 2004)