Experts from three international agencies have warned that bird flu is not under control and could spread to other regions unless emergency preventative measures are implemented.
The virus, which has killed 16 people, was discussed at a two-day meeting in Rome attended by experts from the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health.
A joint statement issued today said bird flu would remain a threat to humans as long as Asian poultry remained infected.
They also said vaccinations, together with other control measures, would help prevent the spread of the epidemic.