The LDP on Thursday asked TV broadcasters not to air frequent images of British cows with mad cow disease, saying such images stir up "excessive anxiety" among the public.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party issued a statement to TV broadcasters asking for "careful" coverage of Japan -- and Asia's -- first case of the disease, which came to light last month.
"The image of cows in Britain suffering from mad cow disease gives the impression that there is such a cow in Japan," said the statement. "(Repetition of) such images may stir up excessive anxiety among the public."
Earlier in the day, former LDP Secretary General Hiromu Nonaka expressed similar concern at a social gathering.
"Since the image is aired every day and has a major impact, the public may get a wrong idea," Nonaka said.