All live chicken markets in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County will be temporarily closed after seven bird flu cases were discovered this week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Friday.
The governor said birds were found to have inflamed birds along with the avian flu during routine testing at live markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
“We are currently working closely with market owners to remove all infected herds from the abundant attention and block further communication,” Hochul told reporters.
Hochul emphasized that New Yorkers should not “be worried” and that “there is no immediate public health threat.”
“These are simply measured as common-sense, common-sense steps that will curb the spread of avian flu and ultimately keep New Yorkers safe,” she said.
The order for Livebird Market to close will take effect Friday and will continue until Friday, February 14th.
Meanwhile, poultry will not be delivered to markets where birds are found to be infected. All uninfected markets must “sell all inventory” and must completely clean, disinfect the facility and remain closed for at least 5 days until cleared by an inspector .
State Health Director Dr. James McDonald emphasized that New York has no human cases of the virus, and that current strains cannot easily spread to humans.
Temporary market closures are not expected to have an immediate impact on egg prices, but McDonald's global strategy of killing the entire flock to stop the rapid spread of the virus is certainly eggs He said it is behind the surge in costs.
What has changed over the years is that the virus is much more common in wild bird populations, with many of them migratory birds, experts say.
“When you lose a chicken, you lose an egg. I think we all know how that part works. And this is why egg prices are rising so much. That's it,” he said.
The New York City Health Department has instructed exposed individuals to monitor for signs of illness.
