No new avian influenza cases discovered on Romanian farm (Gulf Times) BUCHAREST: Samples from a farm in south-eastern Romania have revealed no new cases of bird flu, but tests were to determine if a cat found dead at the farm was infected, veterinary health officials said yesterday. [News Source]

Animal health crucial in bird flu battle (TVNZ) Most governments are working quickly to attack avian flu when it pops up among birds but the virus is now entrenched in at least three countries, the United Nations and World Bank reported. [News Source]

Medical establishment signals risks from hepatitis A, bird flu (The Daily Star Lebannon) Two new awareness campaigns were launched in Lebanon on Thursday, with the Health Ministry warning against the possible spread of hepatitis A and the hospitals association sounding the alarm on avian influenza (or bird flu). [News Source]

Anti-bird flu measures across Middle East in wake of Saudi outbreak (Payvand Iran News) Most countries in the Middle East, especially those bordering Saudi Arabia, have taken measures to prevent bird flu after an outbreak of the disease there in early November. -IRIN [News Source]

Tense meeting produces some hope for flu-sharing deal. It's too early to call it a breakthrough. But a marathon meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, last week has resulted in what participants hope will be a way to salvage the international system for sharing influenza virus samples. [News Source]