India is one of the 15 countries around the globe affected by the bird flu or avian influenza. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is concerned. There could be a distinct possibility of the lethally infectious H5NI bird flu virus mutating into a more dangerous form. It could spread rapidly among humans. The FAO has called for close monitoring and strong control efforts to stamp out the menace of avian flu before it's too late. Recall that during 2006 bird flu played havoc in parts of South-East Asia and certain pockets in India. It is now knocking at the doors of the booming metropolis of Kolkata. With as many as 13 of the 19 districts of the State reeling under avian flu there is fear that it could affect other states if timely and effective steps are not taken. Describing the current spread of avian influenza, which sneaked in from neighbouring Bangladesh, as