New York Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry
Dr. Susan Trock, Epidemiologist 518-457-3502
Joseph Corby. Division of Food Safety & Inspection 518-457-4492; 5382
Documents: 1 NYCRR Part 45 and Circular 925 Relating to The Licensing of Slaughterhouses
UPC Interview with New York State Veterinarian Dr. John Huntley, New York Department of Agriculture & Marketing, Albany, NY, May 24, 1995 Phone: 518-457-4188
Live Poultry Markets & Auctions: NY State Laws & Enforcement
- Poultry Auctions versus Poultry Markets:
An auction is where birds are assembled from various other locations for further sale. A market is where birds will be slaughtered or sold for slaughter. A market is “an end point for the birds.”
- Source of the Birds: Birds come from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New England, New York State.
- “Immediate Origin”: poultry dealers, other live poultry markets, flocks being depopulated, backyard operations. Ultimate sources are not known except that the birds do not come from hatcheries. A “root” source: poultry auctions.
- Types of Birds: All types of fully grown birds. A lot of “spent fowl.” A lot of spent breeder fowl. Many come from Gingrich in Pennsylvania. Gingrich’s birds come from many sources.
- Biggest Factor Not Under Control: Origin of these birds at the Pennsylvania and New Jersey markets. “We don’t know the state of origin.”
- Federal & State Inspection of Markets. Federal Inspection: Supposed to be 4 times a year. State Inspection: Supposed to be 5 times a year. Purpose of inspections: “Monitor the status of the birds.”
- Crate Transport: The birds are pulled from the transport crates to market crates. There are major distribution points in the city. The crates go back to city distribution point(s) to be cleaned there – steam-cleaned.
- Food and Water: Under Article 26, the NY State Anti-Cruelty Law, birds must be “properly fed and watered.” Most markets have a “free choice” of how to contain water and food: food in trays, receptacles outside trays, common drinking pans.
- Cleaning: Receptacles are to be cleaned at least once a week. Regulations include “down” days – days for cleaning and disinfection at least once a week.
- How Long are Birds in the Market – Each Bird? A week or less.
- Slaughter Methods: “I’ve seen birds decapitated, though some groups want the head on.”
- Re: Slaughter and Disposal, contact Joseph Ferrara, Director, Division of Food Inspection: 518-457-4492.
UPC Interview with Dr. Ferrara, May 25, 1995.
- UPC: How is the waste disposed of – the dead birds and other “refuse”? Answer: Larger markets have their own rendering firms. Smaller markets’ refuse is handled as typical garbage.
- UPC: What happens to birds who are not sold? Answer: “I wouldn’t know.”
United Poultry Concerns, Inc.
PO Box 150
Machipongo, VA 23405-0150
757-678-7875
FAX: 757-678-5070
www.upc-online.org
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