Bird Flu May Be Headed for States

[Mellie]

BIRD FLU MAY BE HEADED FOR STATES
Monday, March 20, 2006

Don`t panic. That`s the key message from the federal government today on Avian Flu, also known as Bird Flu. It is probably on its way to the US, experts say, in birds. But that does not signal a pandemic among humans.

The government believes wild birds could bring Avian Flu to the US in thru Alaska, as early as this year. But so far, there is no reason to fear a massive human outbreak. The 98 people who have died in Asia all had direct contact with infected birds. Experts say the H5N1 virus does not easily pass from person to person. But scientists do know, there are two versions of this virus, one harmless, the other can be deadly.

The government will test up to 100,000 wild birds this year and is offering incentives for poultry manufacturers to find the virus. Worried about Bird Flu getting into the food supply? Officials say that is unlikely. Even though it is not a public health problem, yet, the government is urging businesses to prepare. The US is stockpiling antiviral medications and hopes to be able to produce 300 million doses of a vaccine within three to five years.


http://www.kfdx.com/news/default.asp...wnews&id=11341