Government prepares for bird flu

THE Cabinet today discussed contingency plans in place in case avian flu hits Britain although thePrime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman stressed it was not inevitable that bird flu would reach the UK.

By Graham Dines

THE Cabinet today discussed contingency plans in place in case avian flu hits Britain although the

Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman stressed it was not inevitable that bird flu would reach the UK.

“The main subject today at Cabinet was avian flu and a discussion about contingency plans if we are subject to avian flu,” said the spokesman. “It was really a resume of what we already know and of the uncertainties which are inherent in the issue.

“What it was an attempt to scope out the sort of contingency planning that needs to be done and is being done. A variety of departments are looking at the issue on a contingency basis.”