New Delhi, April 30 -- The scientific community across the world has called for governments to pay attention to the increasing threat of a new pandemic in the face of H5N1 avian flu or bird flu.

The appeal was made by the Global Virus Network (GVN), which includes human and animal virologists from over 80 centres of excellence and affiliates in more than 40 countries. They urged countries to improve surveillance, implement biosecurity measures and prepare for potential human-to-human transmission.

The scientists published a detailed analysis on the call to action in The Lancet Regional Health - Americas regarding the H5N1 outbreak.

"Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response...