Egypt to slaughter 300,000 pigs

CAIRO, May 2 (UPI) -- Egyptian authorities have begun slaughtering 300,000 pigs as a precaution against swine flu, officials said.

BBC reported Saturday that officials said the measure also was aimed at helping to stabilize Egypt's pig-rearing industry.

The World Health Organization has criticized the move, saying there is no evidence pigs are transmitting swine flu to humans, the British network reported.

BBC noted pig-farming and pork consumption is limited to Egypt's Christian minority, which is about 10 percent of the population.

The government has promised pig-owners compensation for their lost livestock.