‘Weak spot’ in bird flu virus could be targeted (Times Online) SCIENTISTS studying the bird flu virus have found a weak point in its make-up that could be targeted by drugs. While mapping the H5N1 avian flu virus at the National Institute for Medical Research in London they found that the type-1 neuraminidase, the part defined as N1, has a cavity. [News Source]

Bird flu: Who’s next? Bangladesh!The Role of Public Administration (News From Bangladesh) In comparison to malaria and diarroeal diseases, which together kill over 3 million people every year, bird flu has killed very few people. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the H5N1 virus may mutate into a new human flu virus against, which humans have no immunity. [News Source]

New Weakness in Avian Flu Virus Found (HealthDay via Yahoo! News) WEDNESDAY, Aug. 16 (HealthDay News) -- British researchers have identified a feature of the avian flu virus that could be a target for new drugs. [News Source]

Officials suspect bird flu in Michigan (Chicago Tribune) But strain in 2 swans is likely non-lethal Two swans in Michigan appear to have been infected with an avian flu of the H5N1 type, government agricultural officials announced Monday, but the virus is not the same lethal strain that has killed millions of birds and 139 people in Asia and the Middle East. [News Source]

Zanzibar burns 61,000 eggs in bid to check bird flu. Authorities on Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar incinerated 61,000 chicken eggs on Tuesday in their continuing bid to check the threat of bird flu to the community. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]

Experts prepare for bird flu (Richmond Times-Dispatch) With the threat of avian influenza's arrival this fall with migrating birds, Virginia researchers who study them are taking precautions to lessen their personal risk. [News Source]