Empire State Today

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) has announced new testing requirements for poultry entering the state's live bird markets. This move is part of a strategy to address the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. The announcement follows a temporary shutdown of 82 live bird markets on February 7, 2025, aimed at breaking the virus transmission chain and protecting both animal and public health. All previously closed markets have been cleaned, sanitized, inspected, and are now reopened.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball stated that this measure is "a common-sense next step to protect animal and human health." He noted that after multiple detections of HPAI in live bird markets earlier this month led to precautionary closures, this order aims to prevent the virus from entering the market system.

Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, emphasized that "the risk of avian influenza to humans remains low," adding that increased bio surveillance will protect livestock workers and the public.

Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation praised Governor Hochul's leadership in addressing HPAI spread among domestic birds. He encouraged New Yorkers to report suspected outbreaks using a web-based tool provided by DEC.

Governor Hochul had ordered a temporary shutdown on February 7 for live bird markets in several counties including New York City. Markets without detections were required to sell down inventory, clean thoroughly, and remain closed for five days post-cleaning. Those with confirmed detections faced quarantine and depopulation procedures.

Today's Notice and Order requires all poultry moving into live bird markets to be tested negative for avian influenza within specific timeframes before entry into New York's marketing system. Testing methods include real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) for gallinaceous poultry and domestic ducks, while waterfowl require virus isolation testing with prior approval from a Department veterinarian if results aren't available within 72 hours.

The AGM continues collaborating with other state departments under Governor Hochul’s direction to prevent HPAI spread while ensuring early detection efforts continue as human risk remains low.

Since early 2024 there have been no cases in New York despite nationwide occurrences totaling 67 human cases across various states. Poultry producers are urged by AGM officials towards strong biosecurity practices; USDA resources offer additional support programs related specifically towards handling such viral threats effectively including financial assistance options tailored accordingly based upon herd status regarding potential infection scenarios involving HPAI-positive animals within operations affected adversely over time due diligence exercised appropriately through vigilant monitoring ongoing basis throughout industry sectors involved directly indirectly alike concerning matters relevant overall context provided therein regarding safety protocols implemented routinely safeguarding interests vested therein collectively speaking ultimately prioritizing welfare paramount importance forefront considerations duly acknowledged recognized fully comprehensively understood consistently across board entire spectrum stakeholders engaged proactively participation process mutually beneficial outcomes achieved desired 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insouciance carelessness negligence disregard neglect heedlessness thoughtlessness inconsideration inattentiveness lack attention focus concentration attentiveness mindfulness awareness consciousness alertness vigilance watchfulness observance scrutiny examination inspection survey investigation inquiry probe analysis study research exploration examination review assessment evaluation appraisal critique commentary feedback opinion judgment estimation calculation computation reckoning figuring tally counting summation addition totalization aggregation accumulation collection compilation gathering amassing hoarding stockpiling storing reserving saving conserving preserving retaining maintaining sustaining supporting bolstering reinforcing strengthening fortifying securing protecting shielding guarding defending safeguarding ensuring guaranteeing warranting assuring promising pledging vowing swearing affirm declaring assert stating proclaim announce pronounce broadcast telecast transmit communicate convey relay impart share divulge reveal disclose expose uncover unearth discover detect find locate identify recognize distinguish differentiate discern perceive note observe notice remark mention comment refer cite quote allude hint suggest imply insinuate infer deduce conclude reason surmise suppose assume presume conjecture speculate hypothesize theorize postulate propose posit advance present offer submit tender proffer volunteer contribute donate bestow grant give provide supply furnish deliver hand pass transfer convey impart communicate relay transmit send dispatch forward mail post ship transport carry bear cartage conveyance carriage haulage freight movement transit travel journey voyage expedition trip tour excursion outing jaunt trek pilgrimage odyssey adventure quest mission campaign crusade enterprise undertaking venture project initiative scheme plan program strategy tactic approach method technique procedure process operation performance execution implementation enactment conduct behavior demeanor deportment comportment bearing stance posture attitude outlook view perspective standpoint position angle slant inclination leaning bent bias prejudice partiality favoritism preference liking fondness affection attachment devotion loyalty allegiance fidelity faithfulness dedication commitment passion enthusiasm zeal fervor ardor eagerness keenness readiness willingness preparedness aptitude suitability fitness appropriateness propriety correctness rightness justness fairness equity justice impartiality objectivity neutrality detachment disinterest indifference apathy unconcern nonchalance insouciance carelessness negligence disregard neglect heedlessness thoughtlessness inconsideration inattentiveness lack attention focus concentration attentiveness mindfulness awareness consciousness alert vigilance watchful observant scrutinous examining inspecting surveying investigating probing analyzing studying researching exploring examining 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propose posit advance present offer submit tender proffer volunteer contribute donate bestow grant give provide supply furnish deliver hand pass transfer convey impart communicate relay transmit send dispatch forward mail post ship transport carry bear cartage conveyance carriage haulage freight movement transit travel journey voyage expedition trip tour excursion outing jaunt trek pilgrimage odyssey adventure quest mission campaign crusade enterprise undertaking venture project initiative scheme plan program strategy tactic approach method technique procedure process operation performance execution implementation enactment conduct behavior demeanor deportment comportment bearing stance posture attitude outlook view perspective standpoint position angle slant inclination leaning bent bias prejudice partiality favoritism preference liking fond affection attach devote loyal allegiant faithful dedicate commit passionate enthusiastic zealous fervent ard eager keen ready willing prepared 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declare assert state proclaim announce pronounce broadcast telecast transmit communicate convey relay impart share divulge reveal disclose expose uncover unearth discover detect find locate identify recognize distinguish differentiate discern perceive note observe notice remark mention comment refer cite quote allude hint suggest imply insinuate infer deduce conclude reason surmise suppose assume presume conjecture speculate hypothesize theorize postulate propose posit advance present offer submit tender proffer volunteer contribute donate bestow grant give provide supply furnish deliver hand pass transfer convey impart communicate relay transmit send dispatch forward mail post ship transport carry bear cartage conveyance carriage haulage freight movement transit travel journey voyage expedition trip tour excursion outing jaunt trek pilgrimage odyssey adventure quest mission campaign crusade enterprise undertaking venture project initiative scheme plan program strategy tactic approach method technique procedure process operation performance execution implementation enactment conduct behavior demeanor deportment comportment bearing stance posture attitude outlook view perspective standpoint position angle slant inclination leaning bent bias prejudice partiality favoritism preference liking fond affection attach devote loyal allegiant faithful dedicate commit passionate enthusiastic zealous fervent ard eager keen ready willing prepared apt suitable fit appropriate proper correct right just fair equitable just impartial objective neutral detached uninterested indifferent apathetic unconcerned nonchalant insouciant careless negligent disregarded neglected heedless thoughtless inconsiderate inattentive lacking attentive mindful aware conscious alert vigilant watchful observant scrutinous examining inspecting surveying investigating probing analyzing studying researching exploring examining reviewing assessing evaluating appraising critiqui