A new research into bird flu suggests that the disease may be far less deadly to humans than previously thought.

According to the World Health Organisation, about 60 per cent of people infected by the human form of bird flu go on to die.

But the new study by scientists in New York indicates that the figure could be only one per cent approximately.

It argues that the WHO has failed to count a large number of bird flu cases and the vast majority of people survive after being infected.

The WHO, however, says it stands by its calculations.

Earlier this month, it ordered an indefinite moratorium on the publication of new research into the bird flue virus because of concerns that it could be used by terrorists to create a pandemic.