Genes May Determine Susceptibility To H5N1 Avian Influenza A Virus Infection (Science Daily) A new study found genetic variations in mice affect their susceptibility to and severity of H5N1 avian influenza A virus infection suggesting that humans who contract the virus may be genetically predisposed. [News Source]

Some firms seen lagging on H1N1 flu preparations (Business Insurance) Employers' preparedness for an H1N1 flu pandemic this year varies widely. There are well-prepared firms with detailed plans in place, some of which are updated versions of plans developed in response to the avian flu scare in 2005; others, however, are just starting to think about it, observers say. [News Source]

Evidence of sexual transmission of avian flu found (Press TV) As the number of bird flu infected cases often peak during the mating season, scientists claim the virus can be a sexually transmitted infection - at least in ducks. [News Source]

New scrutiny of pig farming. Many experts think pig farming presents a serious and overlooked risk to public health. Little is known about the origin of the novel H1N1 virus. But one thing is virtually certain: The pandemic influenza now infecting the people of more than 190 countries began in a pig. [News Source]

Check It Out (Israel National News) BiondVaxm, an Israeli company located in Rehovot, says it has developed a vaccine that can treat all forms of flu - including swine flu and bird flu - and does not require annual inoculations to renew the vaccinations. [News Source]