And this just In . . .

A `highly pathogenic' strain of H5N1 has been detected in Nigeria. This is the first confirmed incidence of Avian Flu in Africa. While this has been predicted, it is considered to be a major escalation in world's threat from avian flu.

Meanwhile, China has announced a confirmed outbreak in the northern part of the country. 15,000 fowl reportedly died over two days. Chinese officials report they have culled an additional 200,000 birds.

These outbreaks, thousands of miles apart, show the avian flu virus is rapidly spreading around the world.