Hochul shuts down New York live poultry markets amid bird flu scare

• New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has temporarily shut down live bird markets to curb the spread of bird flu. The move follows the discovery of several H5N1 cases across the state. 
• The state order requires markets to sell off inventory and remain closed for five days before reopening.
• Meanwhile, officials are reassuring the community that the public health risk of bird flu remains low.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a state order Friday, Feb. 7, temporarily closing live bird markets to curb the spread of bird flu. The move comes after several cases of the H5N1 strain were discovered in multiple locations across the state.

The H5N1 strain primarily affected birds, poultry and cows. It raised concerns after inspectors found seven cases across the state, including in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Hochul emphasized that the temporary shutdown of markets is a precautionary measure to protect both public health and local animal populations.

State order in place until Feb. 14

In her announcement, Hochul revealed a one-week hold on delivering new poultry to stores, aimed at slowing the transmission of the virus. This decision affects live bird markets in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, which will be temporarily shut down through Feb. 14.

“Each uninfected market must sell down all inventory, undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection, and then remain closed for at least five days,” Hochul said, adding that markets can only reopen once an inspector gives them the green light. 

Although the risk to humans is low, Hochul said her top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe from any outbreaks. She emphasized, “I want to reiterate that people should not be concerned.” 

CDC monitoring bird flu outbreaks

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has echoed Hochul’s comments. They assured the public that the risk to human health remains low despite ongoing bird flu outbreaks.

Since 2024, the CDC has confirmed 66 cases of H5N1 in humans, including one fatality in Louisiana this year. The CDC has reported 67 human cases of the virus since 2022 and is closely monitoring each situation while working with states impacted by the outbreaks.

New York State Department of Health ready for major outbreak

The New York State Department of Health said it’s prepared to conduct large-scale testing if a significant human outbreak occurs.

Commissioner Dr. James McDonald emphasized that, while there have been no reported human cases in the state, residents should avoid contact with sick or dead birds to prevent potential exposure. 

“For folks that do keep chickens, ducks or geese, you should familiarize yourselves with clinical signs of avian influenza,” he said.