Bird Flu Vaccine Passes U.S. Clinical Test

U.S. scientists announced they have successfully tested a vaccine to protect against bird flu, The New York Times reports.

Health officials feared the worst after a growing strain of the virus has been devastating livestock as it spreads west through Asia and Russia. Fifty people have died from the virus.

Scientists worldwide predicted a pandemic if that strain mixed with the human flu virus.

Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the vaccine is ready for emergency use but further tests are needed before it will be available to the general public.

He said the vaccine is to protect against infection, not help those who are sick.

Fauci also said he doubts the vaccine industry’s ability to make enough.