A top veterinary official yesterday rejected speculation that China is playing down an outbreak of swine disease, saying it has always been "open and transparent" in sharing epidemic information with the international community.

The Ministry of Agriculture has given regular updates about the outbreak of blue ear disease to the United Nations Food and Animal Organization (FAO) and the World Organization for Animal Health since the disease was detected, said Jia Youling, chief veterinary officer with the ministry.

"This has prevented unnecessary suspicion and misunderstandings and helped the international community understand the situation," said Jia.