BIRD FLU: All you need to know

1. WHAT IS BIRD FLU? Avian Influenza is a very contagious viral disease for poultry and other birds. Wild birds carrying the disease mix with domestic flocks - like chickens - to cause epidemics. It can sometimes spread to humans and other animals by direct contact with the birds. This particular strain is H5N1.

2. HOW BAD IS IT? Just over 100 unconfirmed cases of people catching H5N1, with 60 deaths in Asia. Most human cases were linked to direct contact with infected poultry.

3. IS THERE A VACCINE? No. Researchers are working on it, but it would take years to make enough to treat the world. The Government has ordered 2.6 million doses. Health workers, key utility workers and police will get priority.

4. IS THERE A DRUG? Tamiflu and Relenza cut the time you're ill by a day and ease symptoms. Most governments have orders in so demand might not be met. It won't stop infection but may save lives.

5. SHOULD I KILL MY PET CHICKENS, PARROT ETC? No. You won't get it from your pet birds. Wild birds migrating to the UK and mixing with domestic poultry is the fear.

6. HOW WOULD IT BECOME A PANDEMIC? It might mutate and be spread by people.

7. WHAT SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT DO? Simple guidelines to stop panic. A plan is in place and it is stock- piling 14.6m doses of Tamiflu.

8. WHAT CAN WE DO? Get a flu jab. It doesn't stop bird flu but normal flu damages your immune system, making you vulnerable. Good sanitation will reduce the virus's spread.

9. WHAT ABOUT PAST EPIDEMICS? In 1918 Spanish flu - similar to H5N1 - killed 50 million. Diagnosis is faster now and, with better medicines, fewer will die.

10. WHAT ABOUT CLAIMS UP TO 100 MILLION PEOPLE COULD DIE? Alarmist estimates.

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