Live poultry markets ordered shut in New York City because of avian flu outbreak

The risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low despite this confirmed case

Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said

While avian influenza is highly contagious in birds, this is a very rare event and is very specific to the circumstances on this premises

UK chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss added

Raj Panjabidr.

Getting ahead of any biological threat—in this case, amongst birds—is good to do,

says Dr. Raj Panjabi, senior partner at Flagship Pioneering and former leader of the National Security Council’s pandemic office

This virus is common in the environment, and it’s blowing around. That’s different from anything we’ve seen before,

he says

What we’ve generally seen is that while there is short-term pain, there is less spread over the long term,

he says

The public is going into markets where no one knows if there are outbreaks of avian flu, then taking home dead birds that may or may not be infected,

said Edita Birnkrant, executive director of NYCLASS, which has long raised alarms about conditions within the city's roughly 70 live animal markets

I'm not worried about any bird flu,

said Stan Tara, 42, of Brooklyn, as he purchased a large chicken for $22.50

We're going to lose money, for now,

he said

We will remain vigilant in working with our state and local partners to monitor for detections and reduce any potential risks to public health and safety,

McDonald said

We will continue to take these measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately protect our communities,

she said

Those who have regular contact with livestock and wild birds should safeguard their health by wearing personal protective equipment when in contact with these animals,

he said

Kathy Hochulgovernor

For a week-long period, no poultry can be delivered to those live bird markets. Each uninfected market must sell down all inventory, undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection and then remain closed for at least five days. Each must then be inspected by our state Ag and Markets before they can reopen,

Hochul said at a news conference on Friday

Kathy Hochulgovernor

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