NYC Shuts Down Bird Markets Amid Avian Flu Outbreak
Following the detection of avian flu in several New York City boroughs, all live poultry markets in the city and surrounding suburbs are temporarily closed for one week as a precaution. The H5N1 strain, impacting over 156 million birds nationwide, has led to the culling of millions and significantly increased egg prices. While the CDC reports a low risk to the general public, affected markets must dispose of their poultry and undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection before reopening. The closures aim to prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus.