July 29, 2005

WHO says China's pig disease unlikely to spread between countries

The recent pig disease that has claimed human lives seemed to be localised within China's south-western province of Sichuan, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO has been monitoring the situation closely in Sichuan, but said it was unlikely the disease would spread to neighboring countries.

Although Chinese state media reported no human-to-human infections in Sichuan, the WHO said the greatest concern was the large number of people who became ill apparently from the disease.

The WHO added that so far, China had not responded to its offer of technical assistance over the Sichuan outbreak.