New York City Shuts Down Live Poultry Markets Due to Avian Influenza “`

Following the detection of avian influenza (bird flu) in seven Queens, Brooklyn, and Bronx markets, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an emergency order on February 7th mandating the temporary closure of all live bird markets across New York City, Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. This includes markets without reported cases.

The order directs market owners to remove all live birds and thoroughly clean and disinfect their premises, regardless of infection status. A five-day post-cleaning closure is mandated before resuming operations to ensure the H5N1 virus is eradicated, preventing reintroduction.

Here’s what to know about the decision and the implications of bird flu detection in poultry.

Will market closures mitigate the bird flu threat?

Dr. Raj Panjabi, former White House pandemic office leader, commends New York’s proactive approach, highlighting the collaborative effort between state and city agriculture and health departments. Cornell Veterinary School’s Jarra Jagne explains that some infections were reported by market operators following bird deaths, while others were identified through routine H5N1 surveillance. The state’s comprehensive testing network, she notes, enabled early detection. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasizes the importance of proactive measures following confirmed positive tests, stating that acting decisively increases the likelihood of preventing wider spread.

How are birds in live markets becoming infected?

Infection pathways are diverse. Birds may contract the virus on farms, where exposure to wild bird feces is common. Jagne highlights January findings of 23 H5N1 cases in wild birds across 12 New York counties. Human activity also contributes; individuals entering markets may unwittingly carry the virus on shoes, or farmers might introduce it from infected farms. Pinpointing the exact source proves difficult.

Should other states also close live bird markets?

Panjabi suggests that other states should consider similar measures. His White House experience with H5 bird flu outbreaks showed the challenges posed by wild bird migration patterns and viral activity. He notes that while temporary closures cause inconvenience, they prevent long-term spread. Live bird markets, unlike commercial poultry farms, often lack adequate disease prevention measures, increasing human interaction risks.

How widespread is bird flu?

Outbreaks among commercial poultry farms have surged recently. The USDA reported 85 affected flocks and nearly 24 million birds by January’s end. University of Minnesota’s Michael Osterholm attributes the increase to heightened environmental H5N1 levels, with infected wild bird feces contaminating commercial flocks.

Can I get bird flu from eating chicken or eggs?

The CDC assures that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe. However, consuming undercooked poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized milk from infected cows poses a risk. New York City Health Commissioner Michelle Morse states that the risk to New Yorkers remains low, emphasizing the lack of human-to-human transmission. Dr. McDonald adds that birds from affected establishments aren’t entering the food supply, and proper cooking neutralizes the virus.