All live poultry markets in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island will temporarily shut down starting Monday following the detection of bird flu at several facilities. The state-ordered shutdown will last until at least Friday, February 14, allowing time for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
According to the order, all surfaces must be cleaned with soap or detergent, covered with disinfectant, and any organic material must be removed from cages, equipment, and flooring.
Reason for the Shutdown
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the closure after state inspectors found evidence of bird flu at seven poultry markets in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Those markets were immediately shut down, while all other markets were given the weekend to sell any remaining inventory.
“Out of an abundance of caution and to thwart any further transmission, we’re issuing a notice and order to temporarily shut down all live bird markets in New York City, as well as in Westchester, Nassau, and Suffolk counties,” Hochul said. “For a weeklong period, no poultry can be delivered to those live bird markets.”
Public Health Risk Assessment
Avian flu is highly contagious among birds, but health officials say the current risk to humans remains low.
“At this time, there are no human cases of avian influenza diagnosed in New York State. To provide context, we’ve had 67 cases in the United States since 2022,” said Dr. James McDonald, New York Department of Health Commissioner. “Right now, the New York State Department of Health assesses the threat to the public as low. There’s no immediate public health threat.”
Impact on Egg Supply
The shutdown is expected to contribute to rising chicken and egg prices. Eggs, in particular, are becoming harder to find in grocery stores. Experts warn that prices may take months to stabilize, as it can take six to nine months to restore production from flocks affected by depopulation measures.
Effects on NYC Zoos
The Wildlife Conservation Society reported that three ducks died at the Queens Zoo, while nine wild birds and three additional ducks that may have been exposed died at the Bronx Zoo.
To prevent further spread, vulnerable bird species at these locations have been moved to protective areas. However, officials stated that zoos would remain open, as there is minimal risk of visitors coming into direct contact with infected birds.
Reporting Sick or Dead Birds
Officials urge the public to report any sick or dead birds.
- For poultry concerns, contact the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502.
- For wild birds, contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 518-478-2203.
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