Oxfordshire Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has warned a Europe-wide strategy is needed to slow the spread of the Sars virus.

Dr Lucas, a member of the parliament's public health committee, is calling for co-ordination to prevent an epidemic of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

More than 30 cases have been confirmed in the EU, but tackling the condition remains the responsibility of individual member states.

The Green MEP wants the EU to order testing of aircraft air conditioning filters for micro-organisms. The test is already available and takes four hours.

Dr Lucas said: "Given the ease of travel within the EU, the protection measures taken by any one state will have a cross-boundary effect.

"Protection will be defined by the lowest common denominator. With human lives at stake this is simply not acceptable."