Obama declares emergency then goes golfing

Barack Obama's administration has declared a "public health emergency" to combat the threat of a global pandemic.

With more than 20 cases confirmed in the US, the president authorised the mobilisation of the national disaster system.

The release of the national anti-flu drug stockpile was among the first measures to be implemented, with the military being given priority over the civilian population.

The president was in Mexico nine days ago and met an archaeologist who died soon after from flu-like symptoms. But White House doctors have given Mr Obama, who played golf with colleagues as the emergency was announced, a clean bill of health and said he has not shown any of the symptoms associated with swine flu.

The national public health emergency declared by Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano gives health chiefs authority to take rapid measures to respond to the disease, including the use of unapproved drugs if necessary.

The administration has released 12.5million of the US stockpile of 50million courses of Tamiflu.

Officials urged the public not to panic and have not banned travel to and from Mexico, but returning travellers who appear to have symptoms will be quarantined.