Avian Flu: The Latest

The first case of a cat being infected with H5N1 in Germany has been discovered.

France has started a limited vaccination program for geese and ducks while an international meeting in Paris aims to find solutions to the epidemic.

Meanwhile, the virus continues to decimate poultry across Africa, with scientists concerned that it could be the birthplace of the first avian pandemic:

"The first pandemic of the 21st century could come from Africa, rather than Southeast Asia," John Oxford, professor of virology at Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of London, said in a telephone interview. Oxford said Africa's poverty, densely populated urban and farm areas, intermingling of people and chickens, and poor health services create a fertile ground for the virus.

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