A live bird market in Essex County has been closed after a case of avian influenza was identified, according to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. Around 123 chickens will be euthanized due to the positive case of bird flu, which is highly contagious among domestic poultry species.
The market will undergo cleaning and disinfection before being closed for an undisclosed period, with plans to reopen once a quarantine is lifted and the flock is restocked. Workers at the market are also under assessment for potential exposure and symptoms by local and state health department officials.
This is not the first time a live bird market in Essex County has been affected by avian influenza; over 1,000 birds were euthanized at another market earlier this year after a bird tested positive for the disease. The outbreak was contained to that specific market, which was temporarily closed until the quarantine was lifted.
The most recent case is the first positive bird flu case among domestic poultry in New Jersey since 2023. Bird flu has been affecting millions of birds and cattle herds nationwide, but poses a low risk to humans. In rare cases, human infections have occurred, with mild cases reported by the CDC and a fatal case in Louisiana in January 2025.
To minimize risk, it’s recommended to cook poultry and eggs to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as the virus is killed by heat. The Department of Agriculture will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the market’s reopening status.
Source: https://www.nj.com/essex/2025/05/bird-flu-case-found-at-nj-live-chicken-market-officials-say.html