BANGKOK, Nov. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- All districts, except two, in the Thai province of Prachuap Khiri Khan have been declared as animal epidemic areas, as a large number of cattle in the areas are suffering from the foot and mouth disease, according to a senior livestock official.

    Pongsak Chaisit, acting provincial livestock officer, was quoted by Thai News Agency as saying on Saturday that a large number of cattle in all districts in the western Thai province, except Bang Saphan and Bang Saphan Noi, were found infecting with the foot and mouth disease.

    "The districts are, therefore, now declared as the animal epidemic areas, as Prachuap Khiri Khan is a major transit point ofcattle transport down to other provinces in the South, and even toneighboring countries," he said.

    To prevent the infectious disease, local farmers were being vaccinated, he stated.

    Local consumers were also advised to wash and fully boil all pieces of meat before they were served, he suggested.

    "This is for the sake of their own safety until the temporary declaration of the disease-stricken areas is lifted," the officer addded. Enditem