Talk of the bird flu outbreak in parts of Asia has U.S. health officials concerned about a possible pandemic. Eddie Hedrick with the Missouri Health Department says this state – in conjunction with federal authorities – is putting together a preparedness plan. He points out the virus has so far been limited primarily to poultry – but he adds about 160 humans in Asia have been infected, as well. Hedrick says it would be a mistake for anyone in the U.S. to say we are prepared for such a flu pandemic. He says that is why officials in Missouri and the rest of the country are trying to get prepared for what might happen – whenever it might happen – and be ready to launch an extensive innoculation plan.
