KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Twenty-two head of cows had so far been found to have foot and mouth disease in the northern state of Terengganu, Malaysia National News Agency reported Monday.

    Terengganu Director of Veterinary Services Azizol Mohd Sharum was quoted by the agency on Monday as saying that 63 percent of the nearly 2,000 head of cows in the infected areas had been vaccinated over the last four days.

    The veterinary officials striving to check the spread of the foot and mouth disease among cattle in Terengganu seized three cows at the Gong Badak slaughter house after the house owner failed to produce a permit for the movement of cattle.

    The movement of cattle has been restricted in the state since the disease was detected there four days ago.

    "We are viewing this case seriously, for in the present situation, actions such as this can cause more cows to be infected," the director said.

    Azizol said the Veterinary Services Department was concerned that the cows could be from infected areas and investigations were still on.

    "We hope farmers and cattle dealers will play their role to prevent the disease from spreading as the veterinary officials already have their hands full," he said.

    Azizol said action would be taken under the law against any farmer or cattle dealer moving livestock without a permit.

    Anyone bringing in the infected cow from the disease-stricken areas can be punished under the Animal Ordinance 1952, which provides a fine of 5,000 ringgit (1,315 US dollars) and seizure ofthe prohibited item. Enditem