Examples of avian flu

• 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?