LUSAKA, March 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Foot and mouth disease hit Zambia, leaving at least 36 cows dead in Northern province so far, a government official said Friday.

    Veterinary officer Tembo Mumba from the Ministry of Agricultureand Cooperatives told Xinhua that the disease was detected in Kawimbe camp in Northern province last week.

    "The cases being reported are from one kraal of 40 cows, 36 have been dead," Mumba said.

    The Ministry of Agriculture has already barred the movement of livestock and livestock products in and out of Northern province and a government gazette is expected to declare the same.

    Foot and mouth disease is a devastating disease of livestock that all species of cloven-hoofed animals are susceptible to. It has the potential for rapid spreading and is one of the most important issues in international trade of livestock. The disease broke out in Rwanda in January, but was brought under control. Enditem