Bird Flu - Public Health Risk Remains Low

Recently, there has been an increase in reports of sick and dead wild birds throughout New Jersey.

There are many possible causes of sick and dying birds, but Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or bird flu is often suspected and refers to the disease caused by infection with avian influenza A viruses that naturally spread among wild aquatic birds worldwide. These viruses can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, sporadic human infections with bird flu viruses after close contact with infected birds or animals have occurred.

The overall public health risk remains low. New Jersey does not have any reported human cases of bird flu. The Middle-Brook Regional Health Commission, New Jersey Department of Health, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are reminding residents to:

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds and other wild animals. Always Keep yourself and your pets at a safe distance when observing wildlife. Keep your pets leashed in public spaces.

• Report sick and dead wild birds, particularly in groups of 5 or more to NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife through their Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form

• Report sick and dead domestic poultry or livestock to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

For more information, please visit: NJ State Department of Agriculture H5N1 Bird Flu Information, NJ State Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza page, and the Center for Disease Control's Bird Flu Information page. .