New York Governor Kathy Hochul has mandated a temporary shutdown of live-poultry markets following the detection of bird flu in several areas of New York City. The directive requires these markets to remain closed from February 7 to February 14 to allow for thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Markets that have not reported cases of bird flu must sell off their inventory before shutting down for five days after the cleaning process. The order affects facilities in New York City as well as Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties. Any market where bird flu has been identified is required to contact the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets for further instructions.
Although described as a precautionary measure, the directive follows the discovery of seven cases of bird flu in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn in early February. The Wildlife Conservation Society has also reported the deaths of three ducks at the Queens Zoo due to avian influenza, while at least 12 birds at the Bronx Zoo have died under circumstances that suggest possible exposure to the virus. Lab testing is underway to confirm the cause of death. In response, vulnerable bird species have been relocated to protected areas, and zoo veterinarians are working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the situation.
Rising cases of bird flu have contributed to economic concerns, particularly regarding egg prices. The cost of a dozen eggs in the United States has surged by nearly 50% over the past year. Reports of theft linked to this shortage have emerged, including a recent case in Pennsylvania where 100,000 eggs valued at approximately $40,000 were stolen.
In late January, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning to businesses against price gouging, emphasizing that while the national poultry shortage is real, it should not be used as a justification for excessive price increases.
Concerns over avian influenza are not limited to poultry. A new strain has been identified in dairy cows, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirming the presence of the virus in Nevada cattle through genome sequencing of milk. The Nevada Department of Agriculture is investigating the situation and working to contain its spread. However, studies indicate that commercial pasteurization effectively neutralizes the virus, ensuring that milk remains safe for consumption.
