Closer study of H5N1 strains needed, expert says

HONG KONG (Reuters) - A leading virologist has urged countries battling new H5N1 bird flu outbreaks in animals to analyze the genetic makeup of the virus to trace its origins and better arm themselves to combat the disease. MIAMI (Reuters) - Tropical Storm Chris was downgraded to a depression on Friday as it moved through the Turks and Caicos islands and forecasters were uncertain whether the ragged weather system would regain strength. HYDERABAD, India (Reuters) - Monsoon rains and floods have killed 42 people in southern and eastern India and displaced tens of thousands of others, officials said on Friday.