Deadly Duck Droppings

Some medical researchers suggest that a billion people on Earth will die in an upcoming pandemic of avian influenza, or bird flu [news]. The World Health Organization's estimate is lower, but still reaches 100 million. Over 70% of all known human cases of this disease have ended in death. Coming in contact with duck droppings is the most common way to be infected.

Plans are underway for mass closings of schools and businesses, as doctors around the world scramble to develop vaccines and diagnostic testing. Bird flu is expected to cost Asian countries $130 billion by 2005.