Routine surveillance detected avian influenza (pathogenicity and serotype not disclosed yet) in a live bird market in Union County, NJ.  Avian influenza was detected in four small live-bird markets in a tri-state region over the past three months.

The presence of the virus at point-of-sale confirms that one or more supply flocks are infected.  Although trace back was performed, no AI virus was detected.  This points to inadequacies in record keeping, sampling or detection eoither for antigen or antibody.

Live-bird markets are indicators of the presence of potentially catastrophic diseases such as HPAI and END.  Their presence in urban areas is an anachronism and unnecessary despite the demands of ethnic minority communities.  It is anticipated that the incidence rate of detections will increase as fall progresses concurrent with migration of waterfowl that surface reservoirs and disseminate this virus. Live bird markets place the entire U.S. industry at risk for infection and export embargos. Contact between workers and customers and infected poultry could predispose to the emergence of zoonotic strains of avian influenza as in China