Concerns are escalating among actors and experts after video evidence obtained by BBC Science Focus revealed that a New York City poultry market is neglecting essential safety measures to protect both staff and the public amid rising bird flu cases in the state.
The footage showcases employees at various locations in Queens handling birds without the minimal recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
This revelation comes shortly after city officials ordered a temporary closure of over 80 poultry markets following the identification of avian flu cases in February.
Despite efforts by the New York State Department of Agricultural Markets to test birds for the virus before entering the live markets, conditions have raised alarms among advocates, as not adhering to biosecurity protocols could lead to further spread.
Doctor Crystal Heath, the veterinarian who filmed the footage, indicated that “These live poultry markets do not adhere to basic biosecurity protocols.” He emphasized the role of official negligence in allowing these sites to compromise public health.
Edita Birnkrant, executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit organization, has inspected numerous markets, declaring that conditions within them pose risks to both workers and customers.
“Anyone walking by could be exposed to pathogens,” she noted in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
Both Heath and Birnkrant have urged public health officials to take decisive actions to mitigate the risk of avian flu in New York’s poultry markets, warning that locations in densely populated areas pose significant public health threats.
Heath explained that these markets bring together multiple bird species, creating an optimal setting for the virus to interact with other strains of influenza, potentially leading to new variants that could spread between humans.
Footage captured by Heath highlights clear violations of biosecurity recommendations. The New York Ministry of Agriculture Markets indicated to BBC Science Focus on April 15 that best practices for live poultry markets should include:
- Discouraging unnecessary visitors
- Utilizing biosecurity signs to prevent unauthorized entry
- Ensuring footwear is covered and disinfected for visitors
- Screening visitors for recent bird contact
- Reporting any abnormal, sick, or deceased birds to authorities.
In response to inquiries from BBC Science Focus, New York State Health Department Director Dr. James MacDonald stated there is “no immediate threat to public health” and that no confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been reported among humans in New York. However, he advised those regularly in contact with livestock and wild birds to exercise caution by wearing PPE.
Despite these warnings, the Health Department has confirmed that there are currently no plans to mandate PPE use in New York’s live poultry markets.
While no human cases have been documented in New York thus far, over 70 infections have occurred nationwide, with some leading to fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that there is no confirmed human-to-human transmission, asserting that the general public remains at low risk.
Nonetheless, experts caution that each time a virus successfully infects a person, it presents potential for evolution. Research indicates that single mutations in the H5N1 strain responsible for ongoing outbreaks could facilitate easier human transmission.
Professor Jarra Jagne, a poultry expert and veterinarian affiliated with the US Department of Agriculture’s Livebird Market Working Group, stated that while PPE usage is highly encouraged, there are currently no legal mandates for its use.
“We advise that these viruses can infect humans, and we recommend wearing masks and changing clothes when visiting the market,” she stated. “Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.”
Jagne emphasized the concern of irregular PPE use, but noted that New York’s live bird markets are better regulated than they were in the past. Regulations now dictate bird sourcing, handling, and testing procedures.
“Conditions used to be dire,” she remarked. “New York has more markets than any other state, and we had to lead the charge. For many years, flu cases in these markets have been minimal.”
Currently, flocks must be tested 72 hours prior to their market entry, with additional testing conducted upon arrival. However, Jagne pointed out that even rigorous testing cannot eliminate the wide array of risks, particularly as wild birds continue to circulate the virus across the nation.
The presence of unprotected customers in these markets poses a significant vulnerability. “Perhaps markets should provide masks at the entrance, similar to what we did during Covid,” Jagne suggested.
The poultry market featured in Heath’s video has not responded to requests for comment from BBC Science Focus.
About our experts
Crystal Heath: A veterinarian specializing in shelter medicine and high-quality castration neutrality (HQHVSN), and co-founder of Our Honor, a nonprofit organization focused on animal rights.
Edita Birnkrant: Executive director of Animal Rights New Yorker, a nonprofit established in 2008 with a mission to advocate for animal rights, including saving NYC carriage horses and promoting the Animal Rights Act.
James MacDonald MD, MPH: A health committee member of the New York State Department of Health. Before joining the department in July 2022, MacDonald worked with the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012.
Jarra Jagne: A Practical Professor in the Public and Ecosystem Health Department at Cornell University’s Veterinary Medicine Department, with research published in journals like International Journal of Infectious Diseases, Avian Diseases, and Avian Pathology.
Editor’s Notes
This article is based on footage and information gathered during an independent investigation into live poultry market practices. All content is sourced legally and reviewed to adhere to editorial standards. To protect privacy, identifying details have been removed or obscured. The footage was filmed in a public setting; individuals or businesses depicted are not meant to be misrepresented, and every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and fairness.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
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