New York, NY – An outbreak of avian flu has resulted in the deaths of 15 birds at the Queens and Bronx zoos, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to close live poultry markets across New York City to curb the spread. The measure follows several cases of the virus detected in birds within these markets, as city and state health officials aim to manage the highly contagious disease.
Wild birds, including a red-tailed hawk in Bronx and a great horned owl in Queens, fell victim to the influenza, with officials from the Department of Environmental Protection confirming their deaths. At the Queens Zoo, three hooded merganser ducks succumbed to the virus. At the Bronx Zoo, twelve birds, including nine wild and three collection ducks, died potentially due to avian flu with confirmation pending post laboratory testing.
A spokesperson from the Wildlife Conservation Society noted the institutions are actively restructuring to prevent further spread among the birds, especially targeting waterfowl which are commonly affected by the flu. Precautionary adjustments include relocating at-risk species to more secure environments and reinforcing collaborations with municipal and federal health agencies despite the minimal risk to human visitors as per current findings.
The avian flu has starkly impacted bird populations nationwide, infecting over 156 million birds. This epidemic has forced extensive culling practices, driving up poultry and egg prices substantially. The economic repercussions are felt widely, as farms and businesses struggle to contain the virus while maintaining supply chains.
The virus’s presence has been confirmed further afield. A dead flock of Canada geese, discovered some 16 miles from the Bronx Zoo in Mount Pleasant, are under investigation to determine if they were infected by the avian flu. The geographic spread accentuates the pervasive challenge the flu represents to both wild and domestic birds.
The preventative closure of live bird markets is a drastic but necessary step according to Governor Hochul, impacting an estimated 84 markets across the city per a 2021 report. Workers at several markets, when reached, disclosed they were already in the phase of slaughtering their stocks in compliance with the mandated closures that extend to Westchester and Long Island, reflecting the urgency and breadth of governmental response efforts.
This extensive and immediate action underscores a proactive approach to wildlife and public health management, with long-term implications for market operations and local eco-systems. As New York’s authorities and wildlife experts continue to address the outbreak, the intersection of urban wildlife management and public health safety remains a critical focus. This situation also casts light on the complexities and the essential balance of managing city-based wildlife interactions and disease prevention.