Live Bird Markets of the Northeastern United States

The live bird marketing system (LBMS) in the Northeastern United States (US) consists of a complex system of production flocks, dealers/haulers and live bird markets (LBMs). The States of New York (NY), Pennsylvania (PA) and New Jersey (NJ) have the most active systems with New York State having the most markets presently at 87. The states of Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut have very few markets. Live bird markets serve mainly ethnic immigrant populations in large urban centers of Northeastern states. The markets are important in the epidemiology of avian influenza viruses (AIV) especially H5 and H7 strains that have zoonotic potential and an effect on trade with United States trading partners. Massive surveillance efforts are carried out to detect and control the spread of these virus strains in the markets under a state/federal/industry program. The program, named the “Prevention and Control of H5 and H7 Avian Influenza in the Live Bird Marketing System: Uniform Standards for a State-Federal-Industry Cooperative Program” is managed mainly by the states, with the federal government assisting in the lab detection and characterization of viruses isolated from the markets. This paper will describe the Northeastern market systems with emphasis on the largest system in NY State and will give a glimpse into its structure, clientele, general regulations, risk factors and avian influenza surveillance.