Michael asks:

>Note: According to this AP article new strains of viruses get their
>start in rural Asia. If that is accurate what factors account for it?

The standard answer to your question was given a little further down in the
article. Humans and farm animals, all of whom are susceptible to influenza
infections, are placed in close contact with one another in high density
concentrations in rural areas in Asia:

>New strains of the flu virus, and so potential pandemics, get their
>start in rural Asia, where the various strains that infect chickens and
>other birds, pigs and humans can mingle. That gives them a chance to
>swap genetic information as well as mutate on their own.

Wirt Atmar
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