It says that unless Asian countries take more preventative action, there is a serious risk of an avian flu pandemic.

Shigeru Omi, Director, WHO Regional Office, Western Pacific, said "Compared with SARS, I am a lot more concerned about avian influenza. Virtually nobody has the immunity against the new virus if it developed through the process of assorting between human and avian viruses….. Fortunately, so far there is no scientifically proven human to human cases of avian influenza. But if this situation continues for many years to come, there is a better possibility that the virus will gain a potential to transmit on a human to human basis and that's why we have to work very hard.”

Avian flu has devastated the poultry industry in many Asian countries. So far, 28 people have died from the disease.

Shigeru Omi says that countries must improve the way infected animals are reported.

Shigeru Omi added "Traditionally, WHO and health authorities of the member states are giving attention to the health of humans, but not sufficient attention are given to the animal health. It is very important for us to improve the practices of animal raising. How we raise the chickens and how we process and market foods. In order to meet the demands, producers sometimes have to raise animals in unhealthy environments. That is why improving (the) practice of animal raising is one of the key issues that all of us have to do".