Bird Flu Threat Grows as NYC Poultry Markets Ignore Safety Protocols

Just two months after the state of New York temporarily shut down over 80 poultry markets in New York City following the detection of bird flu during inspections in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, new video footage reveals that many of these markets are still ignoring basic biosecurity measures, putting workers and the public at risk as bird flu continues to spread across the state.

Footage recorded by a veterinarian shows poultry market workers in Queens handling live chickens without masks or other personal protective equipment. In one clip, a worker wearing only one glove touches his face with the ungloved hand while interacting with birds, a blatant violation of health and safety standards.

While the state has implemented some containment measures, such as testing flocks before they reach the markets, bird flu has still been detected in at least 16 live poultry markets in NYC. Without strict enforcement of safety protocols, the virus is almost certain to spread further.

According to Dr. Crystal Heath, the veterinarian who captured the footage:
“These live poultry markets are failing to take the most basic biosecurity precautions, but it’s officials’ negligence that allows these places to continue to threaten public health.”

The only way to truly protect New Yorkers—and prevent a possible global pandemic—is to shut down live animal markets for good.

You can make a difference by signing our petition urging Governor Hochul to take immediate, decisive action to permanently close these dangerous markets. With your help, we can continue to ramp up the pressure. Most people are unaware of the grave danger posed by the continued spread of bird flu and we need to get the message out there. Please sign and share this petition to help spread the word.