Expert says epidemic could last five years

London: Bird flu could become endemic in Britain and last up to five years, the government's chief scientific adviser said on Tuesday.

"I would anticipate that avian flu will arrive at some point in the UK," Professor David King told BBC news.

"We also have to anticipate that it will be here for five years-plus. We are talking about the possibility of this disease being endemic here in the UK," he said.

The bird flu virus has spread from Asia to Africa and Europe and caused the deaths of millions of birds and more than 90 people.

It reached France earlier this month amid criticism that the British government had not done more to tackle the threat and demands for poultry either to be kept indoors or vaccinated.

Britain's farm minister Margaret Beckett said on Monday the country is well prepared to react swiftly to any outbreak of bird flu.

Britain has questioned the benefits of vaccination and Beckett reiterated fears that vaccines might mask rather than eradicate the disease although she said the government's policy was under review.