H5N1 - Bird Flu

What you should know:

There are no reported cases of human infection of H5N1 in NJ.
The risk to humans is low, but people who have direct contact with infected animals should take precautions to lower risk of infection.
CDC recommends that people working with infected animals wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is available at each county’s Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office.
If you find sick or dead wild birds, do not handle them. Contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife hotline using this online form: NJDEP Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form.
If you suspect sick or dead poultry, do not handle them. Contact the NJ Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.
If you suspect that you or your pet may have H5N1, contact your local health department (www.localhealth.nj.gov).
The commercial milk supply is safe. The New Jersey Departments of Health and Agriculture caution against the consumption of raw milk and raw milk products by humans and by pets. The USDA requires testing of all lactating dairy cattle being moved across state lines.
CDC recommends that pet owners keep their pets away from wild birds and refrain from feeding their pets raw milk or raw pet food.
For up-to-date federal guidance, see: CDC | H5N1 Bird flu: Current Situation Summary

H5N1 in New Jersey as of 4/17/25:

Human cases: None.
Wild birds: Confirmed detections have occurred in Burlington, Warren, and Salem Counties. Presumptive positive detections have occurred in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Somerset, and Sussex Counties.
Poultry:
- Live Bird Markets: Confirmed detections in Hudson, Mercer, and Union Counties.
- Commercial Poultry Farms: None.
- Backyard flocks: Confirmed detections in Atlantic and Salem Counties.
Cattle/livestock: None.
Cats: Confirmed detections in cats in Hunterdon County.
Other animals: Confirmed detections in captive bears in Ocean County.

News Releases as of 4/17/25:

What is H5N1?

What is H5N1? H5N1 (called “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” or “bird flu”) is a disease caused by influenza A viruses. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, can carry and spread these viruses but may show no signs of illness. However, H5N1 can cause severe disease and death in domestic poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese). H5N1 is causing illness in dairy cattle in multiple states as well, and cases of H5N1 have also been reported in wild birds, mammals, and other domestic companion animals, such as cats. People with close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments may be at a higher risk of avian influenza infection.

CDC| How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People.

Key Information for the Public

Key Information for Agricultural and Veterinary Workers

To report sick or dead poultry, contact the NJ Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

Key Information for Hunters

If you find sick or dead wild birds, do not handle them. Contact the NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.

Official Site of The State of New Jersey