August 29, 2005

Australia steps up efforts against bird flu

Australia's government said the country would develop an early warning system that provided rapid detection, diagnosis and treatment of the deadly H5N1 bird flu strain. The plan might also involve some Southeast Asian countries.

Australia would propose its bird flu strategy later this year, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders meeting in South Korea and the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The government said about US$100 million has been spent to ensure Australia's readiness against any bird flu outbreak.