New York City, New York – The avian flu outbreak has caused the deaths of multiple birds at the Queens and Bronx zoos, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to take action by closing live poultry markets across the city, officials revealed on Friday. This recent development sheds light on the severity of the situation, with as many as 15 birds succumbing to the virus at the two zoos.
Among the casualties were a red-tailed hawk in the Bronx Zoo and a great horned owl in Queens, in addition to three hooded merganser ducks at the Queens Zoo. Records from the Department of Environmental Protection indicate that nine wild birds and three “collection ducks” at the Bronx Zoo may have been exposed to the avian flu, with pending lab tests to confirm.
Efforts are being made by wildlife conservationists to prevent further spread of the virus among the animal populations in the affected zoos and aquariums. Measures include relocating vulnerable bird species to protected areas and collaborating with city, state, and federal authorities to curb the outbreak.
While the risk of transmission to humans is deemed minimal, the avian flu has wreaked havoc across the nation, infecting over 156 million birds and leading to widespread culling of flocks to contain the disease. Consequently, the cost of eggs has surged, impacting consumers and businesses alike.
In response to the escalating situation, live poultry markets in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester are being closed and disinfected under Governor Hochul’s directives. Seven cases of bird flu were identified in markets across the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, prompting swift action to contain the outbreak.
The closure of approximately 84 live bird markets in NYC underscores the gravity of the situation, as authorities grapple with the need to protect public health and prevent the further spread of the avian flu. Additionally, investigations are ongoing into the presence of the virus in a deceased flock of Canada geese near the Bronx Zoo, signaling the need for continued vigilance in combating the outbreak.