China's first laboratory for mad cow disease has been established and put into operation, the State General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine announced.

Friday's China Daily said that the Beijing-based laboratory is part of the country's efforts to prevent mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The laboratory, set up by the Beijing Administration for Exit- Entry Inspection and Quarantine, covers an area of over 100 square meters and is fitted with equipment and technology in accordance with traditional global practices.

"The facility here will use state-of-the-art technologies to help fend off the disease," said Ma Guiping, director of the laboratory.

Earlier this month, the lab checked the brain tissue of nine cow samplings, finding no trace of the disease. Besides checking cattle for BSE, the lab is also expected to help improve the country's technology in the field.