Officials ordered the temporary closure of all live poultry markets in New York City and nearby areas on Feb. 7 after bird flu was discovered in seven locations. The move comes as part of a broader effort to contain the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has affected farms across the nation.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the closures on the morning of Feb. 7.
The closure order affects live bird markets in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island’s Suffolk and Nassau counties. It requires markets to sell their current inventory, perform thorough cleaning and disinfection, and remain closed for at least five days before reopening, according to the governor’s office.
Richard Ball, state agriculture commissioner, explained the rationale behind the decision.
“Following seven detections of HPAI in live bird markets in the last week, this Notice and Order is a commonsense measure aimed at getting ahead of the virus, rather than chasing it,” Ball said in the statement.
The virus was discovered during routine inspections in live bird markets located in the New York City boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Health officials said the risk to human health remains low at this time.
“While there is no immediate threat to public health and no known cases of HPAI in humans in New York State, we support the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ latest proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease between animals and humans,” Dr. James McDonald, New York state health commissioner, said in the statement.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been spreading among various animal populations, including wild birds, poultry, and cows. Health officials advise people who come into contact with sick or dead birds to wear protective gear, including respiratory protection, eye protection, and gloves.
New York state officials said the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Conservation are working together to monitor the situation and implement preventive measures.
“Through Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is acting aggressively to monitor for and advance actions to reduce the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza,” Sean Mahar, interim commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, said in the statement.
The closure of live bird markets is expected to have economic effects on local businesses, but state officials said they are working to minimize these effects.
“We’re working with [the U.S. Department of Agriculture] and other partners to make sure that we can minimize the economic impact to these markets, and we very much appreciate the markets’ cooperation and assistance in protecting public and animal health,” Ball said.
New York is also taking precautions regarding dairy cattle. The state has implemented new testing initiatives on dairy farms in response to HPAI outbreaks in livestock in other states, although no cases have been detected in New York’s livestock to date.
