New York Live Poultry Markets Closed Amid Bird Flu Outbreak

All live poultry markets in New York City and some of its suburbs have been temporarily closed following the detection of bird flu cases. This precautionary measure is in response to the virus's spread, which has already led to the culling of millions of birds on farms nationwide and has impacted egg prices, reports NewsBox.

Governor Kathy Hochul stated that despite the detected cases, there is no direct threat to public health. The temporary closure of markets in the city, Westchester County, and Long Island is a precautionary effort. There have been no recorded cases of bird flu transmission to humans in New York City, writes The Associated Press.

The decision to close the markets was made after infected birds were found during routine market inspections in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the risk of infection to the public remains low. There have been 67 human cases of bird flu in the U.S., predominantly mild and among agricultural workers who had contact with infected poultry or dairy cows.

Last month, the first human death from bird flu in the U.S. was recorded in Louisiana. According to health authorities, the deceased was over 65, had underlying health conditions, and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in their yard.

According to state directives, markets where the virus has been detected must dispose of all domestic birds. Markets without detected infections must sell off existing poultry within three days, clean and disinfect, remain closed for at least five days, and undergo inspection before reopening.