Scientists Develop Avian Flu Test

Two tests to diagnose avian flu in humans have been developed by British scientists. The Health Protection Agency is unveiling the tests at a conference on Wednesday as part of its preparation plans to guard against a pandemic. Bird flu has killed at least 25 people in east Asia this year and led to the culling of 200 million birds. The flu cannot currently pass from person to person but scientists fear it could acquire the capability. HPA chief executive Professor Pat Troop said the developments would be vital if there was a global outbreak. Prof Troop said "Following the continued outbreaks among poultry in Asia, the threat of an avian flu pandemic is ever more real and the agency is committed to ensuring it has the capacity to respond should person-to-person transmission occur and if human cases are seen in the UK.