A bird flu that has broken out in Delaware – while not threatening to human lives – has raised concerns of an economic disaster for the poultry industry if the disease isn't contained.

Some 12,000 chickens were slaughtered in Delaware Saturday to prevent spread of avian flu, according to the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Two chickens tested positive for the virus – H7 – Friday, according to public statements made by Delaware Agriculture Secretary Michel Scuse.

The virus is different from the bird flu that has proved fatal to humans in Asia. The virus found in Delaware does not transmit to humans but is an economic concern for Delaware and other mid-Atlantic states. In many Delaware communities, poultry is the backbone of the local economy.

The chickens were housed on a farm in Kent County. Birds within a 2-mile radius of the infected chickens were being tested.

Some foreign countries stopped imports of U.S. poultry Saturday.

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