New test for bird flu

The authorities in Hong Kong say they have developed a rapid test for the new strain of influenza, which is thought to be transmitted to humans from birds.

Health officials say the new test should reduce the time taken to diagnose the virus from between one and two weeks to less than two days.

Nine victims of the disease have been declared so far, of whom two have died.

Scientists are also investigating if the virus, known as bird flu because it previously occurred only in birds, is now being transmitted between humans.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service