The fear of a global avian flu epidemic is real.
The scientific evidence is that the risk to humans of avian flu is almost zero.
The argument that a mutational change would make the avian flu virus a much greater threat is seriously flawed.
Avian flu is an existing situation, an existing threat.
It is therefore my view that close scientific monitoring of the epidemiology and molecular biology of the avian flu virus is essential.
Our contingency plans for an outbreak of avian flu are better than they have ever been.
If so, is there any way of limiting the relevant areas to those where flocks are free of avian flu?
When will those movement licences be finalised to complete the protection against avian flu?
