Porn group wants filing halt during syphilis probe

(AP) A pornography trade group is calling for a nationwide filming moratorium while officials in Los Angeles investigate a syphilis outbreak and performers get tested for the disease.

Free Speech Coalition spokeswoman Joanne Cachapero said Monday that one performer has tested positive for and the performer's sexual partners are being notified.

The Los Angeles County Public Health Department announced an investigation into at least five possible cases the sexually transmitted disease last week.

The self-imposed moratorium shutters a multi-billion industry whose major producers are based in Los Angeles county's San Fernando Valley.

County health officials acknowledged the investigation Monday but declined an interview seeking details of its scope or an update of its findings.

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Shaya Tayefe Mohajer can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/APShaya .