WHO bird flu guides

Some current guidance on bird flu from the World Health Organization, which has confirmed at least 134 human deaths since late 2003. Indonesia and Vietnam have had the most, with at least 42 deaths each:

. There are no restrictions recommended on travel to areas experiencing outbreaks in birds, including those with human infection.

. There are no recommendations for routine screening of travelers coming from affected areas.

. Travelers to affected areas should avoid contact with live-animal markets and poultry farms, and any free-ranging or caged poultry. Large amounts of the virus are known to be excreted in the droppings from infected birds.

. Avoid direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their droppings. Exposure risk is considered highest during slaughter, de-feathering, butchering and preparing of poultry for cooking. There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or poultry products can be a source of infection.