The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is following up on recent tests showing a presence of low-pathogenic avian influenza in the Northeast United States. Testing confirmed the presence of so-called “low path” avian influenza at three live-poultry markets in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, according to Meatingplace. APHIS this week confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu virus during routine testing, noting that the influenza is not uncommon in live-bird markets and backyard flocks. Still, investigators are working to trace the possible sources of the virus and have closed the affected markets, which usually supply fresh poultry from backyard breeders and commercial farms to specific ethnic markets or groups. USDA also says the affected markets are following established protocols for responding to avian influenza outbreaks of any kind, including market closures, poultry depopulation or sales and cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas.