Chinese Foreign Ministry has warned Chinese business people and companies not to import livestock and relevant animal products from Vietnam, as foot-and-mouth disease is widespread in the country.

The ministry has also urged the Chinese people not to go to epidemic-stricken areas in Vietnam, which has borders with southwest China.

Foot-and-mouth disease broke out in 433 villages in 154 counties of Vietnam, affecting more than 26 thousand cattle, ten thousand pigs and 47 sheep, according to reports from Vietnam.

(Xinhua News Agency May 14, 2006)