State defends bird flu preparations

THE Government last night defended its preparations against any outbreak of the deadly Asian bird flu after a poultry virus in Turkey was confirmed as the same strain that killed dozens in Asia.

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.