Hochul Shutters Live Bird Markets in NYC After Bird Flu Detected in Poultry

New York state is shuttering all live bird markets in New York City, as well as in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, for the next week, following the recent detection of bird flu among some poultry in city markets.

During a virtual briefing on Friday morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized that while there is “no immediate public health threat” in New York, shutting down the markets would help guard against the further spread of disease.

Measures to Curb the Spread of Disease

“These are just simply measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately to keep New Yorkers safe, which is always my top priority,” she said.

Low Risk of Infection for Most Residents

No human cases of bird flu have been detected in New York state so far. For most residents — particularly those who do not have direct contact with infected birds — the risk of infection is low, according to health officials and experts.

Widespread Testing and Preparations

State officials and health experts recommend that New Yorkers get the seasonal flu vaccine, which while not protective against bird flu, can reduce the chance of having both viruses at the same time — which can create opportunities for the two viruses to interact and become more dangerous.

Anyone who keeps chickens, ducks or geese should contact a veterinarian or the state Department of Agriculture and Markets if multiple birds die suddenly, or if bird flu symptoms appear, said Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the state Department of Health. Additionally, New Yorkers who work with livestock, including dairy or poultry, should wear personal protective equipment.

Live Bird Market Shutdown

In New York City, seven cases of bird flu were detected in poultry during routine inspections at live bird markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens in the past week, officials said. The shutdown order for live bird markets is effective from Friday through Feb. 14, and will impact about 80 markets across the state.

During that period, no poultry can be delivered to those markets. Markets that test positive for bird flu must be depopulated, undergo cleaning and disinfection, remain closed for at least five days, and pass a state health inspection. All uninfected markets must sell down their stock in the next few days, also undergo cleaning and disinfection, remain closed for at least five days, and pass a state inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the risk of infection for most residents?
A: The risk of infection is low for most residents, particularly those who do not have direct contact with infected birds.

Q: What are the measures to curb the spread of disease?
A: The measures include shutting down live bird markets, testing samples of milk intended for pasteurization, and instituting testing requirements for cattle imported into the state and those entering state fairs or exhibitions.

Q: What is the current situation with human cases of bird flu?
A: No human cases of bird flu have been detected in New York state so far.

Q: What should I do if I work with livestock, including dairy or poultry?
A: You should wear personal protective equipment.

Q: What should I do if I have chickens, ducks, or geese?
A: You should contact a veterinarian or the state Department of Agriculture and Markets if multiple birds die suddenly, or if bird flu symptoms appear.

Q: What is the current situation with bird flu cases in the state?
A: Cases have emerged in the state among wild birds, backyard and poultry flocks, including recently on a Long Island commercial farm, which culled 100,000 ducks. Nationwide, bird flu cases have mounted in the past year among cattle, poultry and other animals.

Q: What should I do to prepare for the possibility of bird flu?
A: You should get the seasonal flu vaccine, which while not protective against bird flu, can reduce the chance of having both viruses at the same time.

Q: What is the current situation with human cases of bird flu in the United States?
A: As of 2024, 67 cases of bird flu and one death have been reported across the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.