FOOT-AND-MOUTH OUTBREAK IN SHAHRUD. Shahrud Veterinary
Center chief Ali Rezvani says three outbreaks of foot-and-
mouth disease affecting 300 animals have been found in
northeastern Iran, "Qods" reported on 5 March. Rezvani said
the main cause of the outbreak was the smuggling of
diseased livestock from Afghanistan and other countries.
Iranian officials had warned of the disease-bearing nature
of the smuggled livestock in November (see "RFE/RL Iran
Report," 25 December 2000). Nor is this the first outbreak
of foot-and-mouth disease in Iran. Incidents of Type Asia-1
foot-and-mouth disease have occurred in Iran since
September 1999, and the disease spread into Turkey (see
"RFE/RL Iran Report," 19 June 2000). (Bill Samii)
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