Health officials in Britain are finalising a new national plan to tackle a possible outbreak of the deadly bird flu virus, as international experts warn the world is in the "gravest possible danger" of a pandemic.
Since 2003 the disease has killed 45 people across Asia, with observers warning any global epidemic could potentially dwarf the worst health disasters in history - and kill as many as 40 million people.
Vietnam has seen 33 people die after contracting the virus, with 12 dead in Thailand and cases reported across Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos and South Korea.
The World Health Organisation has warned governments they must stockpile vaccines now in preparation for a pandemic, a move taken up by the US, French and Italian administrations.
Though London Mayor Ken Livingstone today announced a £1 million sterling programme to protect key workers in the capital, the Government has been criticised for failing to quickly respond to the situation.
Anti-viral drugs have so far been ordered only to protect up to 100,000 police officers, transport workers and firefighters in the capital. Department of Health officials said similar plans are being made on a national scale, but claimed it will not stockpile vaccine supplies.
"We are very close to finalising a new plan for potential 'flu pandemics, which will take in the latest advice, technology and medicine," said a DoH spokeswoman.