POSTED: 3:21 pm CST March 31, 2006

UPDATED: 3:26 pm CST March 31, 2006

Bird flu is coming to the United States as early as this summer, many experts tell us.

As wild birds follow their normal migratory patterns, they are predicted to enter this country from the north on their way to their summer breeding grounds. Some, unfortunately will carry the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus.

Worldwide, wild birds have transmitted this virus to domestic birds and millions of these domestic birds have died.

A reported 186 people have come down with bird flu, mainly from handling these domestic birds. Of them, 105 have died.

The bird flu virus has turned up in cats, as well as in some other mammals.

Here's a look at some of the methods designed to protect us from bird flu:

Laws: No poultry, pet birds or feather products may be imported into the Untied States from any country having bird flu cases.

Vaccines: One bird flu vaccine was just tested. Results were promising but much needs to be done It worked only at a very high dose and then only half the time. The United States now has enough of this vaccine for 4 million people. The research effort is progressing on several fronts. Companies are working on other vaccines. Additives are being tested to raise the effectiveness of the vaccine. New methods that can make a vaccine more quickly are being researched. Now it takes months to make a vaccine that is incubated in hen eggs.

Drugs: Two antiviral drugs are now approved. The United States has stockpiled 22 million courses of Tamiflu. This week, the second antiviral drug for bird flu, Relenza wa approved and about 4 million doses were ordered.

Precautions: Do not touch wild birds. The CDC says to view them from a distance. Cook all poultry to 180 F. If bird flu is identified in wild birds here, keep cats inside.