Avian Flu Found in Jersey

A strain of avian influenza has turned up at four live chicken markets in northern New Jersey.

State health officials say the discovery comes just days after similar outbreaks at farms in Delaware led the destruction of 80,000 birds.

State veterinarian Nancy Halpern said the New Jersey markets likely picked up the virus from one of the many farms and distributors that supply them.

She would not identify the markets where the strain was found.

New Jersey has about 35 live chicken markets across the state.

Officials stressed the strain is not the same one blamed for deaths in Vietnam.

State Health Commissioner Clifton Lacy said there was only a slight chance that the weak flu strain could mutate into one that's a danger to humans.