It now appears likely that the dead wild duck, found near Lyon in south-east France, "probably" had the H5N1 "bird flu" strain, which has killed dozens of people in Asia. Reports are also coming in of bird flu cases in India and Iran.Bird flu is spreading inexorably across the globe - now it's on our doorstep and we are advised to report any sightings of dead birds.
Living near Regents Park, which is a home for a collection of waterfowl and other birds, I'm already filled with apprehension. Officials state that the UK is prepared for the worst, but I also recall the official response to the BSE and Foot & Mouth outbreaks. Already some experts are claiming that British officials are not doing enough to stop bird flu from coming into the country.
Unfortunately it appears it's now a question of when, not if.....
Q&A: Bird flu
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