NEW YORK — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that all live poultry markets in New York City and three suburban counties were being shut down after seven cases of avian flu were detected at markets in the city’s five boroughs.
The closures extended to Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties and will be in effect at least through Feb. 14, WNBC reported.
“Over the last week, inspectors have detected seven cases of bird flu in poultry during a routine visit to live bird markers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens,” Hochul said during a virtual public health briefing on Friday morning.
New York State is continuing our coordinated effort to monitor for avian flu and keep our communities safe.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) February 7, 2025
Join me live with leaders from @HealthNYGov and @nyagandmarkets for a virtual public health briefing: https://t.co/KyYMxa2DHs
Hochul’s order requires those markets to sell down all inventory, complete cleaning and disinfection procedures, and remain closed for five days after cleaning and disinfection, WABC reported.
“Safeguarding public health is all about being proactive, and New York State is continuing our coordinated effort to monitor for the Avian Influenza,” Hochul said. “My top priority will always be to keep New Yorkers safe, and I have directed our state agencies to use all available resources to ensure we are taking every measure necessary to keep the risk to the public low. We will continue to take these measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately protect our communities.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus poses a low risk to the general public. The agency said there have been 67 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the United States, with illnesses mild, The Associated Press reported. The cases were mostly detected among farmworkers who were exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.
In a statement, Michelle Morse, the acting New York City health commissioner, said the city health department is working closely with state officials to ensure live bird market staff members receive essential information. If there are symptoms present, she said that affected persons will receive the treatment they need.
“We are prepared to respond to any disease outbreak, including quickly ramping up testing and treatment, and working closely with providers and community partners to rapidly disseminate messaging,” Morse said.
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