RESEARCHERS have developed a new test that can detect bird flu in humans within hours, compared to up to a week or more for older tests.

Researchers have developed a new test that can detect bird flu in humans within hours, compared to up to a week or more for older tests.

The bird flu strain that killed 24 people in east Asia earlier this year and resurfaced in recent weeks has become endemic to the region, and the virus could trigger a global health crisis if it goes unchecked, a new study says.