Avian Flu Detected at NYC Zoos, Bird Markets Temporarily Closed

Avian Flu Detected at NYC Zoos, Bird Markets Temporarily Closed \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ At least three ducks have died from avian flu at the Queens Zoo, and up to 12 more birds at the Bronx Zoo may have also been affected, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society. As a precaution, zoos have moved vulnerable bird species to protected areas. Meanwhile, New York state officials temporarily shut down bird markets in the city after detecting seven cases of avian flu in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public there is no immediate health threat, while the CDC maintains that the risk to humans remains low.

Avian Flu Outbreak in NYC: Quick Looks

• Three ducks at the Queens Zoo died from avian flu, with additional suspected cases at the Bronx Zoo.
• Lab tests are pending on three ducks and nine wild birds that died at the Bronx Zoo.
• Zoos have moved vulnerable bird species to protected areas as a precautionary measure.
• New York state officials shut down bird markets in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens after detecting seven cases of avian flu.
• Governor Kathy Hochul assured the public there is no immediate health threat, calling the closures a precautionary step.
• Avian flu has led to the mass slaughter of poultry nationwide, contributing to rising egg prices.
• The CDC states that the virus poses a low risk to humans, with no reported cases in New York so far.
• People working closely with birds are most at risk, and experts advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.

Deep Look

A recent avian flu outbreak has led to the death of multiple birds at two New York City zoos and triggered the temporary closure of bird markets in three boroughs. The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which operates the Bronx Zoo and Queens Zoo, confirmed that three ducks at the Queens Zoo tested positive for avian influenza and died from the virus.

At the Bronx Zoo, officials are awaiting lab results on three additional ducks and nine wild birds that also died after suspected exposure to the virus. As a precaution, zookeepers have relocated vulnerable bird species to protected areas within the parks to limit further spread.

Meanwhile, state officials have ordered bird markets in New York City to shut down for at least one week after seven cases of avian flu were identified in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Although Governor Kathy Hochul reassured the public that there is no immediate health threat, the closures were implemented out of an abundance of caution to prevent further transmission.

Bird Flu’s Impact at the Bronx and Queens Zoos

The Wildlife Conservation Society, which oversees some of the largest and most visited zoos in the country, first detected avian influenza at the Queens Zoo, where three ducks died from the virus.

Shortly after, the Bronx Zoo also reported a number of bird deaths, prompting authorities to test for possible H5N1 avian influenza exposure. Lab results are pending for three additional ducks and nine wild birds that were found dead on zoo grounds.

In response, zookeepers have taken immediate safety measures, including:

• Moving vulnerable bird species to protected enclosures
• Increasing health screenings for all birds within the zoos
• Monitoring interactions between birds and the public

“Over the last two weeks, we have moved vulnerable bird species to protected areas in our parks as a precaution,” the Wildlife Conservation Society said in a statement.

The zoos remain open to visitors, but officials are carefully monitoring all bird populations to detect further signs of infection.

State Officials Order Bird Market Closures in NYC

Avian flu has also been detected in bird markets across New York City, leading to state-ordered closures. Routine inspections found seven confirmed cases of the virus in markets across:

• The Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Queens

On Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered all bird markets in the metropolitan area to close for at least a week, limiting exposure between infected poultry and other birds.

“There is no immediate threat to public health,” Hochul emphasized. “This is a precautionary measure to contain further spread of the virus.”

The National Impact of Avian Flu

Avian flu has become a widespread concern in the U.S., affecting poultry farms, egg production facilities, and wildlife sanctuaries nationwide.

The outbreak has resulted in:

• The slaughter of millions of infected birds to contain further transmission
• Significant economic losses for poultry farmers
• Soaring egg prices, due to reduced supply

New York City is not alone in facing this crisis, as avian flu continues to impact bird populations across the country.

Risk to Humans: What the CDC Says

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that avian flu poses a low risk to the general public. However, people who work closely with birds—such as farmers, zookeepers, and poultry workers—face a higher risk of exposure.

According to the CDC:

• 67 cases of bird flu in humans have been confirmed in the U.S., though none in New York.
• Human infection is rare but can occur through prolonged direct contact with infected birds.
• People who develop flu-like symptoms after potential exposure should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Avian Flu in Humans

The CDC lists several symptoms associated with avian flu infection in humans, including:

• Fever and muscle aches
• Headache and stiff neck
• Confusion and loss of balance
• Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues
• Severe respiratory problems in advanced cases

While most cases are mild, severe infections can lead to pneumonia or other complications. The CDC urges those in high-risk categories to take extra precautions.

What’s Next?

New York City officials will continue monitoring the outbreak in both zoos and bird markets, determining whether further actions are needed.

The CDC and USDA are working alongside state authorities to:

• Track new cases of avian flu in wildlife and poultry markets
• Limit bird-to-bird transmission in farms, zoos, and sanctuaries
• Educate the public on health risks and safety measures

How Consumers Can Protect Themselves

While there is no immediate public health risk, experts recommend the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds
• Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly (internal temp of at least 165°F)
• Wash hands after handling raw meat or visiting outdoor markets
• Stay informed on local health advisories

For now, health officials urge the public to remain cautious but not alarmed, as containment efforts are already in place to prevent further spread.

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