Official Site of The State of New Jersey

October 20, 2026

Dear Backyard Flock Poultry Owner:

As the fall season of wild bird migration begins, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) would like to remind poultry owners on transmission risks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Please closely monitor the health of your birds and implement farm strategies to reduce risk of disease transmission from wild birds in your area. HPAI in poultry is a reportable disease. NJDA would like to remind New Jersey poultry owners of their important role in monitoring, reporting, and preventing disease.  If you suspect HPAI in your poultry, please alert the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

To report sick or dead wild birds in New Jersey, complete the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) wild bird disease reporting form at: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/

This past winter, there were numerous reports of sick and dead wild birds within the state of New Jersey. Some of which tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Between January and June 2026, the NJDA reported five premises with detections of HPAI in domestic poultry. Exposure to infected wild birds via direct contact or sharing waterers, feeders, or swimming areas is a potential source of disease transmission to domestic poultry. Poultry owners in New Jersey are advised to stay vigilant with their on-farm biosecurity practices and care for their birds.

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species. Signs of HPAI in poultry can include:

• Sudden death
• Decrease in feed or water consumption
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge
• Swelling around the eyes
• Open-mouth breathing
• Darkening of the comb/wattles
• Reddening of the shanks or feet
• Decreased egg production
• Lethargy

HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions from the feces, eyes, nostrils, and mouths of infected birds. The virus can spread on vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc. Biosecurity is particularly important for those residents of New Jersey who keep backyard poultry flocks, which are typically smaller flocks and can include mixed bird types. Backyard flocks often have direct encounters with wild birds or their feces. Wild birds can enter backyard flock housing, increasing this risk. Practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto a farm.

Helpful Biosecurity tips for backyard flock owners:

https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/documents/one-health/resources/OHResourceUploads/PoultryBioSec_Eng.pdf

Actions poultry farmers can start today to protect their birds include:

• Eliminate exposure of domestic birds to wild birds.
• Minimize standing water and extra feed in the environment
• Cover accumulated waste on the property
• Plug or patch any access holes into poultry housing
• Add wildlife deterrents
• Avoid contact with other poultry.
• Keep a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. Disposable boot covers, or a foot bath that is changed regularly, are other measures that can be used.
• Minimize the number of people who visit the birds.
• Avoid sharing equipment with other flocks.
• Use appropriate disinfectants for equipment and vehicles that must enter and exit the farm.

Additional Resources:

For questions regarding human safety when handling sick wild birds or domestic poultry, contact your local health department (www.localhealth.nj.gov).

Available in English and Spanish, NJDOH has guidance for individuals who work with domestic poultry at: 

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/Novel%20Flu/Bird_Flu_Workers_English.pdf

      https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/topics/Novel%20Flu/Bird_Flu_Workers_Spanish.pdf

Sincerely,

Amar Patil DVM, MVSc, PhD, Diplomate ACVM

State Veterinarian / Director, New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health
P.O. Box 400 Trenton, NJ 08625-0330, Phone: (609) 671-6400