Ananova:

UK scientists have discovered that the bird flu virus is mutating towards a form that may make humans susceptible.

Medical Research Council experts examined samples of the virus taken from two of the children killed in the outbreak in Turkey.

It revealed mutations from one case which had previously been seen in flu viruses from Hong Kong in 2003 and Vietnam in 2005.

The MRC said the viruses were closely related to current H5N1 viruses in Turkey and viruses isolated at Qinghai Lake in western China last year.

Qinghai Lake is a congregation point for migratory birds, raising fears it may be a staging post for the spread of H5N1.

The gene sequences of the viruses indicated they were sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and amantadine, the scientists said.

Experts' biggest fear is that H5N1 will change into a form that can spread easily from person to person.