Can we Beat Bird Flu?

It's been reported that the only medicine collected to treat a bird flu outbreak might not manage to do it's job properly, scientists cautioned yesterday.

Experts stated that the Government chose not to accept the warnings to stock up supplies of another drug to combat the killer condition. The antiviral treatment Tamiflu is being stockpiled to cope with an epidemic.

However, information is being revealed that avian flu can become tolerant to the drug.

A further airspray named Relenza must be stored in preparation, announced a study by the Royal Society and Academy of Medical Sciences.

Chairman Sir John Skehel is quoted by the Mirror as saying: "We are concerned that decisions are being made that fail to take account of expert advice.

"New evidence that H5N1 can develop resistance to Tamiflu indicates that a combination of anti-virals should be stockpiled by the UK for the most effective management of a pandemic."

Professor Lindsey Davies, of the Department of Health, also added in the newspaper:"We are already addressing many of the report's recommendations."

A major epidemic of the virus H5NI could be transmitted to 15million individuals and kill 50,000, professionals estimate.