MIYAZAKI — Miyazaki Prefecture on Thursday partially rescinded restrictions on travel and public gatherings put in place to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

The decision came a day after the last of more than 276,000 cows and pigs were vaccinated and slaughtered to contain the outbreak and 72 days after the first case was officially confirmed.

"On May 18, the prefectural government declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of the disease. To prevent its spread, we called on all prefectural residents to refrain from unnecessary travel, and to postpone events," Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru told a news conference.