NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Multiple birds in New York City parks have tested positive for bird flu, Mayor Eric Adams announced Wednesday, alongside additional precautions health officials are now taking “out of an abundance of caution.”
Birds in the city tested positive this week for H5N1, a type of avian influenza, City Hall said. As a result, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is now testing dead birds found in public parks for the virus.
There have been no human cases of H5N1 in NYC or the state, and Adams said that city health officials are working closely with state leaders to keep it that way.
“While birds in New York City have tested positive for the H5N1 virus, I want to assure New Yorkers that the risk to humans at this time remains low,” Adams said. “We are taking all the proper precautions to contain this virus and limit its spread.”
The findings come after bird flu killed birds across multiple species at the Queens and Bronx zoos last week and positive cases temporarily shut down all live bird markets in NYC, Westchester and on Long Island.
All seven live bird markets that had cases of bird flu—located in Bronx, Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties—were ordered to dispose of their birds in a sanitary manner, while others had to sell all inventory, complete cleaning and disinfection procedures and remain closed for five days. The city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is working to ensure these cases don’t extend to workers.
“The current risk to New Yorkers of bird flu remains low,” acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said. “The Department of Health will continue to work closely with the state Department of Agriculture and state Department of Health to ensure that live bird market staff exposed to sick birds receive essential information and receive treatment.”
Morse said that health officials are prepared to respond to disease outbreaks by quickly ramping up testing and treatment, and through collaboration with healthcare providers to disseminate accurate information.
No human-to-human transmission has been detected from HSN1 anywhere in the United States, but a small number of agricultural workers with close contact with infected animals have tested positive in other parts of the country.
Officials recommend that New Yorkers wear PPE when handling poultry; wash hands often with soap and warm water; avoid eating, drinking or smoking in areas where birds are being handled; follow food safety guidelines; get the annual flu vaccine; and prevent cats from roaming outside where they might hunt wild birds.
If someone is experiencing symptoms, or has come in contact with an infected bird or person, then they should consult with their doctor to see if they should be tested, officials said.
Avian flu has led to the recent slaughter of millions of birds across the country in an attempt to prevent the spread of infection, driving up the cost of eggs nationwide.