State defends bird flu preparations
The deadly H5N1 strain, which scientists worry might mutate into a human virus and spark a pandemic, has killed more than 60 people across Asia, wiped out poultry industries worth billions and led to the culling of 140 million birds.
However, with the virus confirmed in Europe, Government preparations were criticised as it emerged much of the population will remain unprotected until sometime next year in the event of an outbreak here.
