Testing for Birdflu

The Government says wild birds migrating to Britain will be tested for signs of deadly bird-flu.

Wild birds migrating into Britain will be caught and tested for the potentially deadly strain of bird flu that's swept through Asia and across Russia over the last two years.

The government said today the risk of the virus making it to Britain was low but it was important to maintain vigilance.

But leading avian flu experts have told Channel Four News that surveillance efforts must be far more coordinated across Europe to combat the virus. And in the background lurks the risk that it could mutate into an illness that passes between humans.

Our Science Reporter Tom Clarke examines whether government plans can match the potential threat.

Bird Flu - Are we ready?

On Wednesday October 12, Channel 4 News will be devoting a large part of the programme to bird flu, examining the extent of the risk faced by the UK, and finding out just how well prepared we are for it spreading to humans

We want you to take part as well, so please e-mail us from tonight with the questions YOU want answered about bird flu. We'll do our best to answer them on Channel 4 News.

Email the team at news@channel4.com

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