New York Mandates Poultry Testing to Combat Bird Flu Spread

By Blake Jackson

New York State is implementing stricter measures to combat the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in poultry.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) announced new testing requirements for all poultry entering live bird markets in New York.

This action follows a temporary shutdown of 82 live bird markets on February 7, 2025, to curb HPAI transmission.

All previously closed markets have been cleaned, sanitized, inspected, and have since reopened. The state emphasizes the importance of biosecurity measures for farmers and reiterates that the risk to humans remains low.

"This new Notice and Order requiring that poultry be tested prior to entering live bird markets in New York State is a common-sense next step to protect animal and human health as we continue to monitor for avian influenza in New York’s poultry as well as our livestock," said Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

"Following multiple detections of HPAI in live bird markets earlier this month, which resulted in a precautionary temporary shut down and cleaning for a majority of these markets, this Notice and Order strives to get at the source of the virus and prevent it from entering our live bird market system in the first place.”

"The risk of avian influenza to humans remains low," said Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "This increased biosurveillance is a proactive measure that will further protect livestock workers and the public, as we remain vigilant to keep the threat of avian influenza at bay.”

The new regulations require poultry entering live bird markets to originate from flocks tested negative for avian influenza. For flocks of 30 or more birds (or all birds in smaller flocks), aged seven days or older, testing is mandatory.

• Gallinaceous poultry and domestic ducks must be tested via rRT-PCR within 72 hours of market entry, accompanied by a laboratory report.
• Waterfowl (excluding domestic ducks) require virus isolation testing, which necessitates prior written notice and approval from a department veterinarian due to the longer turnaround time.
• All testing must be conducted at a NAHLN laboratory.

For complete information visit, https://agriculture.ny.gov/news/new-york-state-announces-further-proactive-measures-prevent-avian-influenza-live-bird-markets

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