The recent appearance of the H5N1 bird flu in pigs does raise viral reassortment concerns. Here's what we know about this highly pathogenic avian influenza virus so far.

The developing avian influenza panzootic and the growing possibility of a pandemic bring to the fore the existential questions for humanity of climate change and the destruction of public health, both of which must be stopped in order to control the growing threats.

The UK has secured a contract for more than five million doses of a bird flu vaccine, to be used if the H5N1 strain spreads among humans, as part of preparations for any possible influenza pandemic. The UKHSA says at this stage there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

H5N1 bird flu is spreading among animals and humans, raising concerns about mutation risks. While human cases are mild, experts stress urgent preparedness for potential pandemics and vaccine readiness gaps.

Bird flu vaccine deal agreed to bolster pandemic preparedness - The UK Health Security Agency stressed there is no evidence at this stage to suggest the A(H5N1) virus will start spreading among humans.