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H5N1 Avian Influenza Education

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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.

Click here for Bird FLU Guidance information.

What you should know

H5N1 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide, and is causing outbreaks in poultry, and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
The risk to humans is low, but people who have direct contact with infected animals should take precautions to lower risk of infection. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/worker-safety/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fbird-flu%2Fprevention%2Fworker-protection-ppe.html
There are no reported cases of human infection of H5N1 in New Jersey.
Wild Birds: If you see sick or dead birds, particularly groups of five (5) or more dead birds, complete the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Fish and Wildlife Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wild-bird-disease-reporting/. Do not handle and avoid contact with any wild or domestic birds that appear ill or have died. Residents should contact their local municipality if a dead or suspected infected bird is found on their property or non-county property.
Middlesex County Properties: If you find a sick or dead bird on County parks or property, please contact the Office of Health Services, Division of Environmental Health at 732-745-8480. After hours, weekends, and holidays, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 732-745-3271.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends that pet owners keep their pets away from wild birds and refrain from feeding their pets raw milk or raw pet food.
The commercial milk supply is safe. The NJ Department of Agriculture cautions against the consumption of raw milk and raw products by humans. https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2024/approved/press240516.shtml
Poultry & Livestock: 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.
Additional guidance for local health partners, health care providers, and the public can be found at: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/livestockhealth/h5n1.shtml https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/novel_flu.shtml

How to Reduce Your Risk to H5N1 bird flu

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 eating. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart
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.

Frequently Asked Questions