New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered a temporary closure of live-poultry markets after bird flu was detected in the outer boroughs of New York City.
The order, signed by Hochul on Friday, requires the markets to close down between Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 as facilities undergo a complete disinfection process.
It calls for markets that have not tested positive for bird flu to sell down all inventory and shut down for five days after the cleaning process in New York City, plus Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau counties.
Sellers that do have indications of bird flu among their flock must contact the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Hochul described the measure as proactive, though seven cases of bird flu were detected in Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn in the first week of the month.
“My top priority will always be to keep New Yorkers safe, and I have directed our state agencies to use all available resources to ensure we are taking every measure necessary to keep the risk to the public low,” Hochul said.
The Wildlife Conservation Society said on Saturday that three ducks died at the Queens Zoo due to avian influenza.
At least 12 birds died at the Bronx Zoo “that may have had exposure to the virus,” the society said. Lab testing must be completed to confirm the cause of death.
“As a precaution, over the last two weeks, we moved vulnerable bird species to protected areas in…
