The threat of an influenza pandemic seems closer than ever since the H5N1 subtype re-emerged in poultry and wild birds in 2003. The ensuing surge in research in the area means some scientific groups are working with avian influenza viruses for the first time and they may find this guide rather useful. Written by a group of well-respected and experienced American scientists, the guide inevitably has a US twist, e.g. listing agencies that approve movement of infectious virus around the US, or not mentioning the requirement for appropriate Home Office licenses to inoculate 11-day-old embryonated chicken eggs. In other words, the book tells you some things but not all of them. No mention is made of using horse erythrocytes for HI tests, instructions are given on how to inoculate an egg in the yolk sac but not how to harvest it, helper virus-dependent reverse genetics is suggested, but no tips about the tricky set up of the selection system are included.

The danger is that those new to the field might reason that by following the book they will be set ready to go with their experiments. This book is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, liason with a laboratory already working with avian influenza viruses in your own country.