Bird flu, human flu could mix, says WHO

THE World Health Organisation said the massive and simultaneous outbreaks of bird flu across Southeast Asia were “historically unprecedented” and it was worried a new, virulent strain of influenza could sweep around the world.

That could happen, the WHO said, if someone got human and bird flu at the same time, allowing the viruses to exchange genes and form a new strain which could pass easily from person to person.

Another worry is that birds which survive infection excrete the virus for at least 10 days, orally and in faeces, thus facilitating further spread at live poultry markets and by migratory birds.