Swine Flu Latest: The (Lonely Only) Pig of Afghanistan

THE PIG OF AFGHANISTAN IN HAPPIER TIMES

It appears the swine flu crisis is abating, but there are still tragic tales.

In this case, a tragic pig's tale.

From Kabul: "Afghanistan's only known pig has been locked in a room, away from visitors to Kabul zoo where it normally grazes beside deer and goats, because people are worried it could infect them with the virus popularly known as swine flu."

The only pig of Afghanistan, whose name is The Pig of Afghanistan, has been in quarantine since Sunday. He appears to be the victim of public fear rather than an imminent threat, as there are no pig farms in Muslim Afghanistan and no direct transport between Kabul and Mexico. A spokesman said, "We understand that, but most people don't have enough knowledge. When they see the pig in the cage they get worried and think that they could get ill."