<P> Dog meat is consumed in some East Asian countries, including Korea, China and Vietnam, a practice that dates back to antiquity . It is estimated that 13--16 million dogs are killed and consumed in Asia every year . Other cultures, such as Polynesia and pre-Columbian Mexico, also consumed dog meat in their history . However, Western, South Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cultures, in general, regard consumption of dog meat as taboo . In some places, however, such as in rural areas of Poland, dog fat is believed to have medicinal properties--being good for the lungs for instance . Dog meat is also consumed in some parts of Switzerland . Proponents of eating dog meat have argued that placing a distinction between livestock and dogs is western hypocrisy, and that there is no difference with eating the meat of different animals . </P> <P> In Korea, the primary dog breed raised for meat, the nureongi (누렁이), differs from those breeds raised for pets that Koreans may keep in their homes . </P> <P> The most popular Korean dog dish is gaejang - guk (also called bosintang), a spicy stew meant to balance the body's heat during the summer months; followers of the custom claim this is done to ensure good health by balancing one's gi, or vital energy of the body . A 19th century version of gaejang - guk explains that the dish is prepared by boiling dog meat with scallions and chili powder . Variations of the dish contain chicken and bamboo shoots . While the dishes are still popular in Korea with a segment of the population, dog is not as widely consumed as beef, chicken, and pork . </P> <P> In 2005, the WHO reported that 55,000 people died in Asia and Africa from rabies, a disease for which dogs are the most important vector . </P>

Plants with the word dog in their name