Murphy Administration Updates Public on Steps Being Taken to Track and Respond to H5N1 Avian Influenza

Outbreak Reported in Localized Wild Bird Populations, Public Health Threat Remains Low

TRENTON - 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. While 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.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that the ongoing nationwide HN51outbreak 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:

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reports that avian influenza is suspected to have caused localized deaths of multiple wild birds, predominantly snow geese and Canada geese, in parts of the state since the end of December. The last previous confirmation of H5N1-related deaths in wild birds in New Jersey was in April 2024. If you encounter sick or dead wild birds report the finding to the DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).
• New Jersey Department of Health - Seasonal influenza activity continues to increase, as expected for this time of the year. However, there are no reports of human novel influenza cases, including H5N1 bird flu, in New Jersey at this time.
• New Jersey Department of Agriculture reports that there have been no reported H5N1 cases in domestic poultry or livestock throughout 2024 and thus far this year.

The state maintains a comprehensive website with the latest information on H5N1 at nj.gov/H5N1.

"The Murphy Administration is committed to preparedness, advanced monitoring, rapid response and responsible waste management to protect public health from the impacts of avian flu," said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. "State 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."

"While we have not seen any person-to-person spread of bird flu, 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's important to understand your risks and take the necessary precautions to mitigate those risks," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. "People 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."

"With 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," New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said. "We 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."

Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you encounter sick or dead wild birds, report the finding to the DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

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.

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. 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.

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: aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf.

Department of Health

The New Jersey Department of Health's Communicable Disease Service within the New Jersey Department of Health 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.

To reduce risks of exposure to H5N1 bird flu, individuals can take the following precautions:

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds; observe them from a distance.
• Avoid unprotected contact with wild or domestic birds that appear sick or have died.
• Only eat or drink milk or dairy products made from pasteurized milk and avoid feeding pets raw milk or dairy products. Raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products can contain germs that make people and pets sick.
• Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to appropriate internal temperatures before consumption.
• Review information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for specific groups and take additional precautions, including wearing PPE if you may be in contact with infected or potentially infected birds, dairy cows, or other animals.
• Additional guidance for local health partners, health care providers, and the public can be found at gov/H5N1 and nj.gov/health/cd/topics/novel_flu.shtml.

Department of Agriculture

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service conduct surveillance on commercial operations, on backyard and hobby flocks, in poultry auctions, and in the live bird marketing system.

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.

• The Department of Agriculture regularly tests backyard flocks and live bird markets around the state. Last year the department tested more than 3,800 backyard flocks and performed testing in 43 live bird markets for HPAI. There have been no positive tests for HPAI through 2024 and thus far this year.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires any dairy cattle moving across state lines to be tested for HPAI. There have been no positive tests of HPAI in dairy cattle in New Jersey, which is one of the states that is part of the USDA's National Milk Testing Strategy.
• The Department of Agriculture and Department of Health have plans in place with the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Offices in each county for PPE materials to be available for anyone who may handle poultry, birds, or work with dairy cattle.
• Sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

Resources

• The State of New Jersey | H5N1
• NJFW | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
• USDA APHIS | Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

USDA APHIS | Avian Influenza and Wild Birds