Twenty people have been confirmed to be infected with cutaneous anthrax in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, local authorities said Tuesday.

Cases of cattle death from unknown causes in Shengli Village, Horqin District in the city of Tongliao, have been reported as of last week.

Cutaneous anthrax is usually contracted when a person with a cut or sore on their skin comes into direct, unprotected contact with anthrax spores on a sick or dead animal.

As of 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 54 cattle have been found infected and a further 29 dead cattle have been disposed of, according to the Tongliao government.

In addition to the infected, another 66 people in close contact have been placed under medical observation.

Local government and epidemic control headquarters have carried out epidemic control efforts, blocking affected and high-risk areas, setting up animal supervision checkpoints and strengthening inspection of the flow of livestock and products.

Vehicles, trading markets and livestock pens have been sterilized.

Local hospitals have also provided free drugs and guidance for livestock farmers.

The city industry and commerce department, and food and drug watchdog have carried out inspections of local butcher shops and restaurants. No infected meat or products produced in the affected areas have been reported.

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