BEIJING, Jan. 15, 2010 -- The Ministry of Agriculture on Friday said foot-and-mouth disease involving 28 cattle hit Korla city in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The outbreak was first reported on Dec. 30, 2009 in Xiniga township and confirmed by the National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory on Tuesday.

A total of 37 cattle were culled, including the 28 affected and those in the same herding, said a statement from the Ministry.

The disease was under control now, the statement said.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal epidemic that can affect cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.