Authorities are vigilantly attempting to avert the possible spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) among cattle in Jordan.

The Ministry of Agriculture recently announced that infection rates are normal when compared with global rates, and the overall situation is not yet classified as an FMD outbreak. According to the ministry, 1,478 out of 92,000 head of cattle are infected with FMD in the Kingdom.

Regarding the reported deaths of cattle, the ministry confirmed that FMD does not cause deaths, but instead causes fever which may lead to a sudden decrease in milk yield. Per the ministry, the virus is typically only lethal in calves.

In a statement made available to The Jordan Times, the ministry said that “ministry personnel are following up on the situation and all necessary efforts are being undertaken”.

Speaking with The Jordan Times on Wednesday, deputy head of the Jordanian Veterinary Association (JVA), Ghadanfar Abu Zneid, said that “FMD poses enormous economic losses, especially for farmers, but the situation is under control”.