Authorities in New York have ordered a temporary shutdown of all live poultry markets in New York City and three suburban counties after detecting bird flu at seven locations over the past week.
The five-day closure affects live poultry markets in New York City, as well as Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. The measure aims to allow thorough cleaning and disinfection to curb the spread of the virus.
Since January 31, cases of avian flu have been identified in poultry markets across Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Officials have stated that all necessary resources are being used to minimize risks to public health.
The ongoing bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has devastated poultry farms across the U.S., leading to the loss of more than 156 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds. The decline in egg-laying hens has caused supply shortages, driving up egg prices and affecting the food industry.
Wild birds, particularly during migration periods, are known to carry and transmit the virus to domestic poultry through direct contact, contaminated feces, or feathers. To contain the outbreak, authorities cull entire flocks when a single bird tests positive.
Meanwhile, concerns over the spread of the virus have intensified with the confirmation of a second strain of bird flu in dairy cattle. The virus has already infected about two-thirds of dairy herds in California, the country’s top milk-producing state, and nearly 70 people since April.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging poultry businesses to follow strict biosecurity measures to prevent further transmission.
