Governor shuts down poultry markets after 7 cases of bird flu detected in NYC
NEW YORK - Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday announced the closure of live poultry markets in New York City and three counties after seven cases of bird flu were detected at markets in the five boroughs during routine inspections.
“Over the last week, inspectors have detected seven cases of bird flu in poultry during a routine visit to live bird markers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens,” Hochul said during a virtual public health briefing.
The order is precautionary, the governor said, and it also temporarily shuts down all bird markets in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties.
The shutdown, to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza, is set to remain in effect through Feb. 14, Hochul said.
Hochul said markets must disinfect and undergo a state health inspection before they can reopen.
Despite reports of both animals and people catching bird flu across the U.S., the risk to the public remains low, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said. Experts say there’s low risk to the general public with a few exceptions.
In a statement, Dr. Michelle Morse, the acting New York City health commissioner, said the city health department is working closely with state officials to ensure live bird market staff receive essential information and, if symptoms present, that they receive the treatment they need.
“We are prepared to respond to any disease outbreak, including quickly ramping up testing and treatment, and working closely with providers and community partners to rapidly disseminate messaging,” Morse said.
The order affects approximately 80 live markets in and around New York City, said Elizabeth Wolters, deputy commissioner for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The markets in New York City and the surrounding downstate region are very connected with shared distributors and supply chains.
U.S. Department of Agriculture data indicate one commercial flock and four backyard flocks have detected bird flu in New York State. Wild birds − including hooded mergansers in captivity and bald eagles in the wild − have also contracted bird flu across the state in the last year, according to USDA.
Long Island bird flu detection
Last week, Hochul announced the state’s ongoing proactive measures to prevent the spread of bird flu and facilitate early detection − particularly on New York farms.
It came on the heels of detecting HPAI in poultry on a farm in Suffolk County, on Long Island. In January, local officials confirmed an outbreak at Long Island’s last commercial duck farm that would result in killing a flock of more than 100,000 ducks.
Wild birds die in NYC suburbs, under investigation
The Journal News/lohud.com, part of the Paste BN Network, has reported wild birds dying in suburbs just north of New York City.
On Thursday, officials in Rockland County confirmed a dead Canada goose contracted bird flu, and a group of geese found dead at a local park were presumed to have H5N1. Last Sunday, local officials found a dozen geese dead near a pond in Westchester County, just north of the Bronx, though lab results are pending. At the end of December, a goose also tested positive for bird flu in Putnam County, up the Hudson River. A Putnam learning center also detected bird flu in several wild and domestic birds.
What is bird flu?
Bird flu is a disease caused by a family of flu viruses primarily transmitted among birds.
Avian influenza viruses, according to the CDC and the United States Department of Agriculture, are classified into two groups: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) (often seen in wild birds) and HPAI, found mostly in domestic poultry. According to the CDC, LPAI viruses cause mild or no disease, and HPAI causes severe disease and high mortality rates in infected birds.
Bird flu cost the government at least $660 million by Feb. 2023, The Associated Press reported at the time, and has raised the price of eggs and poultry. Tens of millions of birds have been slaughtered to limit the spread of the virus.
This is a developing story.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.