Today, February 7, 2025, New York State and the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) issued a notice mandating all live bird markets in NYC, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Counties be cleaned, disinfected, and temporarily closed to prevent the spread of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza in poultry.
“Safeguarding public health is all about being proactive, and New York State is continuing our coordinated effort to monitor for the Avian Influenza,” said Governor Hochul. “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. We will continue to take these measured, common sense steps that will curb the spread of bird flu and ultimately protect our communities.”
What is avian flu?
Also known as bird flu, or more formally, avian influenza, this disease is caused by a virus typically spread amongst birds. Avian influenza A(H5) virus is the specific subtype of bird flu that’s currently impacting U.S. poultry, dairy cows, and in very rare instances, humans.
Why must all live bird markets close in NYC?
The closure and disinfection notice follows the detection of avian flu across seven live bird markets in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Live bird markets that have not witnessed the virus in NYC, Westchester, Suffolk and Nassau Counties are still required to comply with the notice, given three days to sell down all inventory and to remain closed for five days post cleaning and disinfection.
What exactly does the notice state?
Effective immediately:
- No poultry deliveries to live bird markets or distributors covered by order from February 7, 2025 through February 14, 2025.
- Department of Agriculture and Markets must be notified by any market at first sign of birds exhibiting HPAI to undergo testing and investigation.
- HPAI positive markets must depopulate, clean and disinfect, and be without birds for five days minimum. The market cannot reopen until it passes inspection by AGM animal health inspector.
- All unaffected markets in NYC and Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties must sell down inventory for three days from February 7, 2025, clean and disinfect, and close for five days following. The market cannot reopen until it passes inspection by AGM animal health inspector.
What does this mean for egg prices?
NYC residents will notice higher priced eggs due to a limited supply from the avian flu outbreak. According to NBC News, egg prices have skyrocketed 37% compared to last year.
How will this affect restaurants?
The bird flu outbreak is negatively impacting many restaurants who heavily rely on large egg orders. NYC’s B&H Dairy spoke out about their current struggle with the price increase in eggs.
Known for serving up kosher diner-style food, eggs are an essential ingredient in lots of the restaurant’s menu items. B&H Dairy goes through about 2,700 eggs per week, the establishment told Grub Street.
For just 10 cases of eggs (each filled with 180 eggs and five cases under the typical amount needed to fulfill a week’s worth of orders), they pay $1,400. The restaurant has yet to raise the price of eggs on the menu, and really hopes it doesn’t come to that.
How can humans protect themselves against bird flu?
The CDC recommends avoiding direct contact with sick or dead birds and other animals that could be infected. If you must have contact, wear personal protective equipment. Moreover, do not consume raw milk or raw milk products.
You can learn more about bird flu on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.