Bird flu – what you need to know

It is confirmed that the Suffolk turkeys have the H5N1 virus. robert matthews on the risks

How bad is the bird flu epidemic?

Since it first emerged in south-east Asia in 2003, the H5N1 virus is believed to have led to the deaths of more than 200 million birds in 45 countries through disease and culling.

How many humans have fallen victim?

According to the latest status report by the World Health Organisation, 270 people in 11 countries have so far been infected with bird flu, of whom 165 have died.

Is a pandemic just a matter of time?

So far, all the deaths have resulted from close contact to birds infected with the virus. A human pandemic requires direct human-to-human transmission, and the virus has yet to acquire the necessary mutations.

How might it acquire those mutations?

Most likely via someone working closely with infected birds who also has ordinary human

influenza. This could lead to the H5N1 variety - which kills almost 60 per cent of those it infects - also acquiring the high infectivity of normal flu, which already kills around 300,000-500,000 annually world-wide.

Is eating chicken or other fowl a risk factor?

The virus is concentrated in the respiratory system of birds, not muscle tissue or eggs. Cooking will destroy the virus in any case.

Can a human pandemic be prevented?

Even if H5N1 acquires the mutations needed for human-to-human transmission, a pandemic will be prevented if those infected are rapidly quarantined. Vigilance is the most effective weapon: anyone noticing suspicious numbers of dead birds is advised to contact Defra immediately on 08459 335577.

Are there any hopeful signs?

Yes: Vietnam, the hardest-hit nation with 93 human cases, has had no new cases since 2005.