China says it is not the origin of the global swine flu outbreak

Beijing, Apr.30 (ANI): The Chinese government has rejected as "groundless" foreign reports labeling the country as the origin of the swine flu outbreak.

According to the reports, dead pigs found in Fuqing, Fujian province, might be the source of the outbreak in Mexico, but China's Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) said the pigs died of swine dysentery and dropsy.

It said China has not exported live pigs to Mexico or the United States, so the country can't be the origin of the deadly disease.

No human cases of swine flu have been found in China, nor has the virus been found in pigs, the China Daily quoted the ministry as saying.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce has alerted Chinese citizens to suspend work trips to Mexico and to strengthen prevention measures if they are traveling to other flu-affected countries.

China on Wednesday offered humanitarian aid worth five million dollars to Mexico, including a million dollars in cash and four million dollars in medical supplies.

Mexican Ambassador to China Jorge Guajardo thanked the Chinese government for its "gestures of friendship". (ANI)