As avian influenza continues to spread around the world, researchers in Japan are turning to human medicine to protect rare and endangered bird species. Anti-virals are turning out good results in experiments so far, with the aim being to protect animals in zoos and keep natural habitats free of dangerous disease.
Under avian flu quarantine guidelines, a record 17.7 million chickens were culled during the past year in Japan. The arrival of migratory birds carrying the virus from overseas could cause further outbreaks.
