Since 1997, avian flu mortality rates have doubled (in humans).

Since the the last outbreak of avian flu virus the human mortality rate has doubled.

According to Dr. David Hui (Hong Kong respiratory specialist) 70% of people who have caught the bird flu (in the present outbreak in Asia) have died.

During the last outbreak (1977) the level was around 30%.

Hong Kong culled the entire territory?s 1.5m chicken population. Experts say this measure has stopped the virus in its tracks.