New York City's Live Bird Markets Temporarily Close Due To Bird Flu
Friday, February 7, 2025
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A serious health risk has led to the temporary shutdown of bird markets across New York City. This mandatory shutdown, spanning a week, was prompted by the identification of seven bird flu cases. A similar situation has unfolded across the United States, where millions of birds have been culled. This has created a significant impact on the egg market, increasing prices on a national scale.
Many chickens and other birds across the nation were unfortunately killed to control the spread of the virus. This has caused the price of eggs to go up for now.
The virus that's causing all the trouble is called H5N1. It started spreading among wild birds, pigs, and other animals. This means that people who have contact with these animals should take precautions. Wearing masks, eye protection, and gloves when handling poultry or dead birds is crucial.
Even though there have been few cases of bird flu in humans across the country. The virus was first reported in the country in March. In the US, there have been 67 confirmed cases so far. These have mostly been mild and among people who had direct contact with infected animals. The first human death from bird flu in the US occurred in Louisiana. The person was over 65 and had health problems. They had been around sick and dead birds in their backyard flock.
The bird markets in the city will have to get rid of all of their birds in a clean and safe way. Markets without infected birds have to sell off any remaining birds. After that, they need to clean, disinfect, and be closed for at least five days. The state must check the market before it can reopen.
New York's government has assured the public that there's no immediate health risk. The virus has a low risk to the general public, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means there's no need to worry.
New York's decision to close the markets is a precautionary measure.
The national outbreak has affected over 156 million birds. Many were from large farms that had to kill all of their birds. While the avian flu is the main cause of egg price increases, other factors are also playing a role. Consumer demand for eggs has been rising in recent years. Fast-growing breakfast and brunch chains are also contributing to the high demand.
A bunch of customers have been buying up a lot of eggs. Some restaurants, like First Watch, are eating up the supplies.
Despite the rise in egg prices, there's one thing to keep in mind. The public should be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.
Bird flu is commonly known as avian flu. This strain is highly contagious. The virus can spread from birds to other animals. This is why it's important to follow the precautions given by state and federal officials. This kind of flu can be dangerous to humans.
It is very important to wash hands thoroughly after handling birds or their waste.