In the latest developments monitoring the spread of the avian flu, live bird markets in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties and the New York City area will remain closed until February 14. This was announced by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul after seven cases of bird flu were reported by inspectors at farms in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx in late January.
“For a week-long period, no poultry can be delivered to those live bird markets,” Gov. Hochul said. ”Each uninfected market must sell down all inventory, undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection and then remain closed for at least five days. Each must then be inspected by our state Ag and Markets before they can reopen.”
The ordinance affects about 80 markets which transport live poultry and slaughter them at the time of sale. They will now be forced to get rid of all production with the aim of preventing the outbreak from spreading to humans as well. “These are just simply proactive measures”, Gov. Hochul said. There is no immediate public health threat yet.
However, on February 7 the Gothamist, with additional information from the Department of Environmental Protection and the Wildlife Conservation Society, reported that bird flu is suspected in the deaths of multiple species at the Queens and Bronx zoos. The outbreak has affected up to 15 birds, including a red-tailed hawk in the Bronx and a great horned owl in Queens. The zoos are working with city, state, and federal regulators to limit exposure and protect vulnerable species. The discovery was made after several birds died unexpectedly. Lab tests confirmed the presence of the avian flu virus in these birds, prompting further investigation and testing of other birds at the zoos.
The zoos have been working closely with city, state, and federal regulators to limit exposure and protect vulnerable species. So far, no cases have been reported in humans in New York State. State Health Commissioner James McDonald said the Department is doing “all it can” to monitor avian flu.
