Israel's Health Ministry has renamed swine flu "Mexico flu" to avoid giving offence to Jews, who cannot eat pork.

Israel is one of the countries on high alert for swine flu after two local citizens returned from Mexico with possible symptoms of the disease.

But because pigs are considered unclean and Jewish dietary laws forbids the consumption of pork, the Israeli government has renamed the disease "Mexico flu".

The ultra-orthodox Deputy Health Minister Yakov Litzman says it is unlikely either of the two men affected have contracted the disease, but Israeli authorities are well prepared to handle any cases.