Mild Bird Flu Could Cause Pandemic Too

LONDON (AP) -- Four people in Britain who tested positive for a mild strain of bird flu should serve as a reminder that a virus other than the feared H5N1 strain could also provoke a flu pandemic, experts say.

Health officials in recent years have focused on the threat from H5N1, which has killed at least 186 people worldwide since 2003. But some experts worry that seemingly less dangerous bird flu subtypes like H7 aren't getting enough attention.

"There may be a bit of complacency when it comes to recognizing the pandemic potential of H7 viruses," said Dr. Michael Perdue, a World Health Organization expert.

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