The spread of a lethal strain of bird flu in the past two years has sparked fears of a new pandemic.
Although more than 200 people have contracted the H5N1 virus, experts point out that cross-infection to humans is still relatively rare, and usually occurs where people have been in close contact with infected birds.
Many scientists fear it may be carried by migrating birds to Europe and Africa but say it is hard to prove a direct link.
Others argue that farming methods and human lifestyle could be accelerating the spread.
But as H5N1 continues its journey through Europe and Africa from its original hotspot of south-east Asia, there is mounting concern that it may combine with a human strain to produce a mutation that is more dangerous and difficult to combat. << Home
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