Sichuan panda has eye disease

A giant panda living in captivity in southwestern China is suspected to have contracted an eye disease transmitted by follicle mites, according to reports.

Netizens raised concerns over the condition of Qi Yi after images posted online by visitors to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding showed the animal with white scabbing around her eyes.

An official of the base in Sichuan province said on Tuesday that researchers were yet to determine the cause of the white scabs. She declined to provide more information.