New York Shuts Down Live Poultry Markets Due to Bird Flu Outbreak
On Friday, officials mandated the temporary shutdown of all live poultry markets in New York City and surrounding areas after bird flu was identified in seven locations. This action is part of a larger initiative to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has impacted farms across the country.
The closures were announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday morning.
The closure order impacts live bird markets throughout New York City, Westchester County, and the Long Island suburbs. These markets are required to sell their current stock, carry out extensive cleaning and disinfection, and remain closed for a minimum of five days prior to reopening, as per the governor’s office.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball clarified the reasoning behind the decision. “Given the seven cases of HPAI detected in live bird markets over the past week, this Notice and Order is a rational measure intended to preempt the virus rather than react to it,” Ball mentioned in the press release.
The virus was identified during regular inspections in live bird markets situated in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens boroughs of New York City. Health officials noted that the current risk to human health is considered low.
Related Stories
“Although there is currently no direct threat to public health and no documented cases of HPAI in humans in New York State, we endorse the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ proactive strategies to avert the disease’s transmission between animals and humans,” Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, commented in the press release.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu is spreading among various species, including wild birds, poultry, and cows. Health officials are advising people who encounter sick or deceased birds to don protective equipment, such as respiratory and eye protection as well as gloves.
Officials in New York have confirmed that the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Department of Health, and the Department of Environmental Conservation are collaborating to monitor the situation and implement preventative measures.
“Under Governor Hochul’s guidance, New York State is taking decisive steps to oversee and promote actions to minimize the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,” Sean Mahar, acting commissioner of the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, expressed in the press release.
The shutdown of live bird markets is anticipated to have economic repercussions for local businesses; however, state officials are strategizing to reduce these impacts.
“We are collaborating with the USDA and other partners to ensure that the economic effects on these markets are minimal, and we genuinely appreciate the cooperation and support from the markets in maintaining public and animal health,” Commissioner Ball emphasized.
Furthermore, New York is taking measures regarding dairy cattle. The state has rolled out new testing protocols for dairy farms following HPAI outbreaks in other states, even though no cases have been reported in New York’s livestock so far.
