Gov. Hochul shutters NYC, downstate live-bird markets due to avian flu

State officials are shutting down live-bird markets in New York City, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties through Feb. 14 after seven cases of bird flu were detected in poultry at markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens in the last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday.

Hochul said officials were working with market owners to “depopulate all infected flocks” following routine inspections that turned up the cases. She said no poultry could be delivered to the approximately 80 markets affected by the order.

Avian flu has led to the slaughter of millions of chickens nationally and in many places, including New York, the price of eggs has more than doubled over the last year, according to data from the USDA. Gothamist reported this week that bodega and deli owners were considering raising sandwich prices, and restaurants around the metro area have been notifying customers that egg dishes will be more expensive.

Open bird markets without confirmed infections must sell down their inventory and be thoroughly cleaned, the governor said. Then, they must remain closed for at least five days before being inspected by the state in order to reopen.

“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 briefing. “People should not be concerned. There is no immediate public health threat.”

No cases of human-borne bird flu have been diagnosed so far in New York, said state Health Commissioner James McDonald. He said officials were monitoring the situation closely and were “prepared for widespread testing should the need arise.”

There have been 67 cases of the H5N1 virus, or bird flu, in humans since 2022, McDonald said, adding that the state health department currently deems the risk to the public “low.”

“This particular strain so far has not demonstrated the ability to easily transmit to humans,” he said. “The people most at risk of becoming infected with H5N1 are people who have contact with infected birds, or infected poultry, cattle or other animals.”

McDonald said those people should wear protective equipment and all New Yorkers should avoid contact with dead and sick birds. He urged residents to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu to reduce the chance of getting sick with both flus at the same time, noting they could potentially merge and create a “resistant strain.”

Elizabeth Wolters, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, said her agency was coordinating closely with other state and federal agencies across the country to track the spread of avian flu. She said upstate live-poultry markets were not affected by New York’s temporary shutdown order, but said officials were stepping up health surveillance of different distribution networks for the industry.

Asked whether the shutdown would lead to a further increase in grocery and egg prices, McDonald suggested it was possible.

“Because this is so prevalent, we’re just losing chickens,” he said. “When you lose chickens, you don’t get eggs.”

This is a developing story and may be updated.