NYC Live Poultry Markets Shut Down After Bird Flu Cases

NEW YORK CITY — All live poultry markets in New York City will be temporarily shut down after cases of bird flu were discovered, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday.

Seven cases in total were discovered this week after inspections at live markets in The Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, according to Hochul.

The shut-down order for live bird markets will last through Feb. 14.

Market owners will work with officials from the New York Department of Agriculture to depopulate all infected flocks to avoid any further transmission.

No poultry will be delivered to markets that have been found to have infected birds.

Those markets that have no infected poultry will still be required to sell down all inventory and remain closed until they clear an inspection, Hochul said.

“These are just simply measured, common-sense steps that’ll curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately keep New Yorkers safe,” Hochul said during a press conference on Friday. “People should not be concerned. There is no immediate public health threat.”

According to state Health Commissioner James McDonald, no cases of human-borne bird flu have been reported in New York.

McDonald said they are monitoring the situation and are prepared for widespread testing should the need arise.

Live poultry markets in Westchester County and Long Island have also been shut down until next week, officials said.