Zoo operators in New York City say at least three and possibly up to 15 bird have died of avian flu. The Wildlife Conservation Society says three ducks at the Queens Zoo died after contracting the virus, and lab tests are pending on three ducks and nine wild birds that died at the Bronx Zoo after possible exposure. On Friday, state officials ordered bird markets in the metropolitan area to close for a week after seven cases of avian flu were detected. Gov. Kathy Hochul says there is no immediate threat to public health and the temporary closures were done out of an abundance of caution. Avian flu has hit farms nationwide, leading to the slaughter of millions of birds and driving up egg prices.
