Killers on the way to England

8 October 2006
KILLER BIRD FLU ALERT AS 3M FLOCK IN
By Henry Austin

MILLIONS of potential killers carrying deadly bird flu are heading to Britain.

More than three million birds have started their annual migration from Scandinavia, Russia and Canada to spend winter in our milder climate.

And experts warn that some will have the lethal HN51 strain of bird flu which has killed at least 76 people worldwide.

In Russia last year 13,000 birds died of the disease and 113,000 were culled to prevent further outbreaks.

Britain's deputy chief veterinary officer, Fred Landeg, said: "Far from going away, there is an increased likelihood of finding the virus here. We must be vigilant. We're ready to deal with outbreaks."

The disease could also devastate poultry farms.

The National Farmers

Union's Charles Bourn said: "It would be an absolute nightmare for us. We're always worried about it coming here."