A local newspaper reports that the eatery, in the city of Zhuhai, sells more than 100 rats a day.

Some of the rats are caught in farm fields, while others are from the mountains.

Southern Chinese believe rodents are safe to eat or pickle in wine if they are caught in countryside. However, experts say regardless of whether they are from rural or urban areas, they can transmit diseases.

Scientists from China and elsewhere have found the SARS virus in several types of wildlife, including rats, and the government forbids vendors from selling wild animals, especially endangered species. (Liang Tao)