Authorities in New York have imposed measures to control the spread of bird flu, including the temporary closure of live bird markets.
Temporary Shutdown of Live Bird Markets
Officials have ordered the closure of approximately 80 live bird markets for one week in New York City and the counties of Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau. This action comes as the H5N1 virus spreads rapidly among wild birds, impacting poultry and dairy farms across the U.S.
First U.S. Death Linked to Bird Flu
The first U.S. death related to bird flu was confirmed in Louisiana in January. The victim had direct exposure to both backyard and wild birds, raising concerns about human health risks.
Egg Shortages and New Strain Discovery
The outbreak is also causing food shortages, particularly eggs, leading to rising prices in New York supermarkets. Scientists have identified a new strain of bird flu in the U.S., known as the D1.1 variant, which was found in cow’s milk in Nevada. This follows previous infections tied to the B3.13 strain, and these new mutations could present additional health risks.