Pigs blamed for deaths in SW China

A bacteria that spreads among pigs is responsible for a mysterious illnesses that has claimed 19 lives in southwest China and left at least 60 others ill, state media reported, citing Chinese health authorities. They said the victims were suffering from streptococcus suis infections linked to the handling or slaughtering of infected pigs. The bacteria is widespread in most pig-raising countries, but rarely are humans infected. The disease emerged in Sichuan province where authorities had rejected speculation about avian flu or SARS being responsible.