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Q&A
H5N1 bird flu detection in live bird markets
1:02:38
ยท
107 sec
Council Member Lynn Schulman inquires about the H5N1 bird flu detection in live bird markets and the city's response. Acting Commissioner Michelle Morse explains the current situation and DOHMH's role.
- Live bird markets in the city were temporarily closed on February 7, 2025, after traces of H5N1 bird flu were detected
- DOHMH coordinates with the State Department of Agriculture and State Health Department regarding live bird markets
- DOHMH's role is to be informed of H5N1 detections and monitor exposed workers for symptoms
- There have been no human cases of H5N1 in New York City
- Nationally, there have been about 70 cases, mostly related to exposures to infected dairy cattle, poultry, or wild birds
- There is no specific budget for bird flu under the health department, but there is an emergency federal grant of $3.5 million
Lynn Schulman
1:02:38
On February 7, I'm gonna ask a question about bird flu and then I'm gonna hand it over to Chili and then come back because I have some other questions about some other programs.
1:02:49
On 02/07/2025, live bird market in the city were temporarily closed after traces of h five n one bird flu were detected in markets across the city.
1:02:59
Does DOHMH or any other agency monitor these markets?
Michelle Morse
1:03:05
Thank you for that question.
1:03:06
We've been coordinating very closely with the State Department of Agriculture and the State Health Department around live bird markets.
1:03:14
Our role here in the New York City Health Department is to, number one, be informed if there are detections of H5N1 amongst birds in live poultry markets across the city.
1:03:27
So we're informed of that when it happens.
1:03:30
And then our role is to monitor any of the workers who were exposed to those birds for symptoms, for preventive measures, and to educate them about the potential risks.
1:03:42
But at this time there have not been any human cases of h five n one in New York City.
1:03:48
There have been about seventy cases nationally and almost all of them have been specifically related to exposures to either dairy cattle or poultry or wild birds that were infected with h five n one.
Lynn Schulman
1:04:05
Is there any set budget for the bird flu?
Michelle Morse
1:04:09
At this time we don't have a budget under the health department for bird flu, but there is an emergency federal grant for $3,500,000
Lynn Schulman
1:04:19
Really?
1:04:19
Okay.
1:04:20
All right, now I'm gonna hand it over to Chair Lee.
1:04:22
I'll come back later to ask some other questions.
1:04:24
Thank you, Commissioner.