Global threat from bird flu says expert

International cooperation is a key to preventing a bird flu pandemic after efforts to bring it under control failed in Southeast Asia, where the disease has killed at least 60 people, World Health Organisation officials said today.

“I believe that the momentum that is now building up will give us a chance to change the course of history and head off a pandemic caused by the H5N1 virus,” WHO regional director Dr Shigeru Omi said.