The Murphy Administration today reminded the public that state agencies continue to aggressively monitor occurrences of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), in domestic and wild bird populations.\u00a0While there have been recent confirmations of deaths in localized wild bird populations in parts of New Jersey, there have been no recent reports in domestic poultry or cattle and no human infections in the state.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> <\/i> has declared that the ongoing nationwide H5N1 outbreak is primarily an animal health issue that poses low risk to the health of the public. The three principal state agencies involved in monitoring and responding to avian influenza are the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, which provide the following updates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The state maintains a comprehensive website with the latest information on H5N1 at https:\/\/www.nj.gov\/H5N1<\/a> <\/i>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Murphy Administration is committed to preparedness, advanced monitoring, rapid response and responsible waste management to protect public health from the impacts of H5N1,\u201d said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. <\/strong>\u201cState agencies are working closely together and with federal partners to rapidly assess and respond to any threats. Together, we remain committed to keeping the public informed about current conditions and steps that they can take to protect themselves and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhile we have not seen any person-to-person spread of H5N1, there have been cases nationally of human illness from the virus ranging from mild symptoms to severe. The good news is that the current public health risk remains low. However, it\u2019s important to understand your risks and take the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks,\u201d said<\/strong> New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM<\/strong>. \u201cPeople whose jobs or hobbies potentially expose them to birds or other infected animals, or who consume undercooked or uncooked poultry, eggs, or raw milk could be at greater risk. Together with our state and federal partners, we continue to monitor the situation and are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of residents and workers in New Jersey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/strong>\u201cWith the identification of H5N1 in migratory birds in New Jersey, it is crucial for owners of poultry flocks and those going to live bird markets to take steps to reduce interaction with wild bird populations,\u201d New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said.<\/strong> \u201cWe continue to test backyard flocks and live bird markets on a constant basis as well as monitor what is happening nationally concerning this virus. Protection of our domestic poultry and livestock industry starts at home. Our regular communications with the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health ensures that each agency is aware of how this virus can affect humans, livestock and wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife<\/a> is the principal agency tracking incidences of suspected bird flu cases in wildlife around the state, supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Functions DEP performs include testing wild bird mortalities and diagnosing infections, issuing guidance for waterfowl hunters and wildlife rehabilitators, and keeping the public informed through online resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wild birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds, are considered natural reservoirs for avian influenza. Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, HPAI has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. HPAI occurrences can be monitored here: USDA APHIS | 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza<\/a> <\/i>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The current active outbreak in wild birds began at the end of December. Since then, more than 140 sick or dead snow geese and Canada geese, as well as lower numbers of raptors and other avian scavengers, have been reported from more than 30 locations in the state. Clusters of five or more have been reported in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem and Warren counties. Of these wild birds, 11 have non-negative testing results awaiting federal confirmatory testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Clinical signs of infection in wild birds are often non-specific but may include neurologic impairment (tremors, lack of coordination, difficulty flying, twisted neck), respiratory issues (sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing), diarrhea, or sudden death. Special attention should be taken to ensure children and pets are kept away from wild birds and bird feces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it can be done so safely, dead birds may be disposed of to help reduce exposure to new birds and minimize scavenging by birds and mammals that may be susceptible to infection. If a resident finds a dead bird on their property, personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn, including gloves, a mask, and safety glasses\/face shield to dispose of the bird. Avoid direct contact between you and the animal by using a tool such as a shovel or tongs. Double-bag each bird, close the bag using a zip-tie, and place in a secure trash bin inaccessible by pets or other wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dead or sick bald eagles and peregrine falcons should be reported to the DEP hotline. The hotline dispatcher will advise taking sick birds to the nearest avian wildlife rehabilitation center<\/a> <\/i> <\/i> . Appropriate PPE should also be worn by those handling potentially sick wild birds. In consideration of whether a sick wild bird should be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinary clinic, contact the facility beforehand for guidance and to determine if the bird should be collected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waterfowl and gamebird hunters should take precautions while handling and dressing birds. Thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming or feeding pets. Falconers should avoid hunting waterfowl and other waterbirds during the active outbreak. Additional recommendations may be found here: https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf<\/a> <\/i> <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Jersey Department of Health\u2019s Communicable Disease Service<\/a> <\/i> within the New Jersey Department of Health<\/a> <\/i> is working closely with state and federal partners to monitor the current H5N1 situation in wild birds, poultry and dairy cows, and will provide updates as information is available. Currently, there are no confirmed human cases in New Jersey.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To reduce risks of exposure to H5N1 bird flu, individuals can take the following precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Jersey Department of Agriculture<\/a> <\/i> and U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service<\/a> <\/i> conduct surveillance on commercial operations, on backyard and hobby flocks, in poultry auctions, and in the live bird marketing system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The department has an emergency response plan in place for the rapid control and elimination of the virus during outbreaks of both Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The plan includes provisions to limit the spread of the disease through increased biosecurity, including limiting the traffic to and from the infected premises, increased surveillance in designated quarantine areas, rapid turnaround time for submitted samples and depopulation, and disposal for infected birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The State of New Jersey | H5N1<\/a> <\/i> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Department of Environmental Protection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Department of Health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Department of Agriculture<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
NJFW | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)<\/a>
USDA APHIS | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)<\/a> <\/i>
USDA APHIS | Avian Influenza and Wild Birds<\/a> <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n