Scientists in the United States have developed an experimental bird flu vaccine, which appears to be effective in mice.
The vaccine was made by genetically modifying a form of virus which causes the common cold. Researchers now want to begin clinical trials.
If confirmed as safe and effective for humans, the vaccine could be manufactured swiftly and in large quantities.
The research was led by scientists at the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, and at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The research teams hope the breakthrough could provide a lifeline in the event of a global human pandemic threatening millions of lives.
