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Potentially Deadly Virus Found In Florida Chickens

SANFORD (CBSMiami/AP) —  Three Florida chickens tested positive for the possibly fatal West Nile Virus.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County advised residents Friday to protect themselves against mosquito bites. Some of the recommended measures are covering the skin with clothing or repellent and draining standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

The chickens are part of the county's sentinel chicken surveillance program, which are placed in strategic locations around the county and are tested weekly for mosquito-borne illness.

No human cases of West Nile were reported in Seminole County this year.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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