Editor's Summary
6 December 2007
Flu alert
For several years the H5N1 avian flu virus has been seen as a potential hazard to human health, a possible spark for the next influenza pandemic. In a Commentary, veterinary researcher Walter Boyce looks at what has been achieved in terms of global surveillance of the H5N1 virus, and concludes that much better coverage is needed if we are to see an outbreak coming. And importantly, we need to look for a range of viruses, not just the one that we are most worried about.
Commentary: Earth monitoring: Vigilance is not enough
Global surveillance is key to tracking potential pandemic viruses such as H5N1. But we need to share samples more rapidly, increase testing in endemic areas and track more than one virus, argues Walter Boyce.
doi:10.1038/450791a