New York City’s live poultry markets have been ordered shut for a week due to seven cases of avian flu detected in the metropolitan area. The state’s decision came as a precautionary measure, with Governor Kathy Hochul citing an “abundance of caution.” The closures will impact the remaining poultry in the markets, forcing vendors like La Granja in Manhattan’s Harlem neighborhood to sell off their inventory within three days.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that the virus poses low risk to the general public, with only 67 confirmed cases among humans in the US. The agency notes that most cases have been mild and involve farmworkers who came into contact with sick poultry or dairy cows.
Despite this, concerns are being raised by animal rights groups about the safety of buying live birds from markets where outbreaks may exist. NYCLASS executive director Edita Birnkrant warns that customers may be taking home infected birds, posing a risk to public health.
The avian flu outbreak has already affected over 156 million birds nationwide, leading to widespread slaughter and price increases for eggs. The situation is expected to continue impacting the poultry industry through 2025, with high egg prices likely to persist beyond Easter.
Employees at La Granja are being forced to sell off their remaining animals, including turkeys, quail, ducks, roosters, pigeons, and rabbits, in order to comply with the state’s orders. Any animals that cannot be sold will be slaughtered and given away to employees and loyal customers.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/new-york-bird-flu-poultry-94186c5c964d1a620858068142a28c46