Bird deaths at New York City zoos may be linked to avian influenza, with 15 cases under investigation

NEW YORK — Reports indicate that a minimum of three and potentially as many as fifteen birds have succumbed to avian influenza across two zoos in New York City, according to the managing organization for these facilities.

The Wildlife Conservation Society revealed that three ducks at the Queens Zoo have died after contracting the virus, while laboratory tests are currently underway for another three ducks and nine wild birds at the Bronx Zoo, which also may have been exposed.

To mitigate the risk, the organization stated that it has relocated at-risk bird species to secure environments within the parks over the past two weeks.

In response to the situation, state authorities have mandated a one-week closure of bird markets in the metropolitan area following the discovery of seven avian flu cases during standard inspections conducted in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Governor Kathy Hochul reassured the public that there is no immediate health threat to humans and that this precautionary measure was implemented out of an abundance of caution.

The avian flu has significantly impacted farms across the country, resulting in the culling of millions of birds and increasing the prices of eggs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the virus poses a low risk to the general populace. As per the agency, there have been 67 confirmed instances of bird flu in humans in the U.S., with none reported in New York.