Papers consider bird flu theories

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Several theories emerge in the papers over the Suffolk bird flu outbreak.

The Guardian links it to a case in Hungary while the Daily Telegraph looks at the idea the virus could have been passed on by the wild bird population.

The Independent says the struggle to combat avian flu must be a global one, and fears lax controls in Africa.

Elsewhere, the Financial Times is concerned that British agriculture will be hit hard by a crisis that could rival BSE and foot-and-mouth disease.

Two photos

With the cash-for-peerages inquiry putting pressure on Tony Blair, the Sun and the Daily Mirror both compare official photos from 1997 and 2007.

Under the headline "Tough Ten for Tony" the Sun's doctor suggests the rigours of office have taken their toll.

The PM may be interviewed for a third time by police - and decide to name the date of his departure, the Times says.

But an aide tells the Daily Telegraph there will be no announcement from Mr Blair until after the May elections.

Iran plea

The Independent tries to dispel the notion UK asylum laws are too weak.

Its front page article blames what it calls the rigid application of the legislation for the death of an Afghan forced to return to his home country.

Under the headline, "Iran: the case for peace", the Morning Star looks at a report from unions, former ministers, charities and religious groups.

The groups are urging the prime minister to do everything in his power to avert a war on Iran, it says.

Day off?

The Daily Mail carries claims that more than 8,000 police officers are being paid their full salaries for working as little as one hour a day.

The figure is based on officers doing reduced hours because they have just returned from long-term sick leave.

The Daily Express, meanwhile, reminds its readers today is National Sickie Day - and will cost British firms £30m.

The paper reports more people miss work on the first Monday in February due to illness than any other day of the year.