An outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease at a swine farm in southern Russia has resulted in the destruction of 204 pigs, the regional emergency ministry press service said on Thursday.

The carcass of a wild boar, which died of the disease, was discovered in the area in May, striking concerns of the possible spread of hoof and mouth. Authorities authorized the killing of wild boars in the region to deter the further spread of the disease to domestic livestock.

On Wednesday, two pigs died at a farm. Laboratory tests proved the animals died of hoof and mouth and the farmer was ordered to destroy the remaining 204 head of domestic swine.

Hoof and mouth is passed by direct contact with other animals. Though the disease poses no threat to humans, it does cause colossal financial losses among farmers with livestock.
sections: Society, Nature & Health