China to crack down on eating civet cats - report

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China to crack down on eating civet cats - report

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CHINA: May 27, 2003

 

 

BEIJING - Beijing is to crack down on the eating of civet cats after

research by a Hong Kong scientist showed it was likely the SARS virus that

has killed almost 700 people worldwide jumped to humans from the animal.

 

 

 

Beijing's wildlife protection authorities pledged to deal a swift blow to

the selling, serving and eating of civet cats, the Beijing Youth Daily said

on Sunday. It gave no details.

 

The University of Hong Kong's top microbiologist, Yuen Kwok-yung, said on

Friday research showed it was likely the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

virus jumped to humans from civet cats, considered a delicacy by many

Chinese especially in southern China.

 

SARS first appeared in southern China late last year.

 

Wild animals are openly kept, sold and butchered in markets in southern

China, often in very unsanitary conditions.

 

The civet belongs to a large group of mostly nocturnal mammals which

includes the mongoose. The Columbia Encyclopedia says civets are not true

cats, but are related to the cat family. Most have cat-like bodies, long

tails and weasel-like faces.

 

 

 

REUTERS NEWS SERVICE