China is stepping up its efforts to contain the spread of a new strain of bird flu which has killed six people in the country.

BBC: China steps up bird flu precautions

The NFU has also taken the unusual step of asking its members to keep their animals in farm buildings rather than out in fields to help contain the spread of the disease.

BBC: Vaccination decision awaited

The fall of the rupiah sparked concerns about an Indonesian debt default that could spread to Thailand, hurt the fragile Japanese banking system and undermine South Korea's efforts to contain its economic problems.

CNN: COVER STORY - SPECIAL REPORT