New York officials have taken proactive measures by ordering a weeklong shutdown of all live bird markets in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island following the discovery of seven cases of avian flu in bird markets within the city. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized that while there is no immediate threat to public health, the temporary closure is a precautionary step to ensure safety.
No instances of avian flu have been reported among humans in New York thus far. The decision to close the bird markets was prompted by the identification of seven cases of bird flu in poultry during routine inspections in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has assessed the risk to the general public as low. Of the 67 confirmed cases of bird flu in the U.S., the majority have been mild and primarily affected farmworkers who had direct contact with infected poultry or livestock.
Tragically, the first bird flu-related death in the U.S. occurred recently in Louisiana, involving an individual over 65 years old with underlying health conditions who had been in contact with sick birds in a backyard flock.
Under the order issued in New York, live bird markets where the virus was detected must dispose of all poultry in a sanitary manner. Markets without confirmed cases are required to sell off existing poultry, conduct thorough cleaning and disinfection procedures, remain closed for a minimum of five days, and undergo inspection by state authorities before resuming operations.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been observed in various animal populations, including wild birds, poultry, and cows. Health officials advise individuals handling sick or deceased birds to use respiratory and eye protection as well as gloves to minimize the risk of transmission.
