A case of bird flu has been confirmed in a live poultry market in Union County, marking the first positive case among domestic poultry in New Jersey since 2023. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture announced the discovery on Friday and said the facility has been quarantined for cleaning and disinfection.
The live market was not identified by officials. No poultry were sold to the public that may have been infected. The H5N1 strain of bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and has also caused outbreaks in U.S. dairy cows, particularly in western states.
There have been no reported cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans or cattle in New Jersey as of Wednesday. However, the CDC has reported over 60 human cases nationwide since 2024. The virus spreads through contact with bodily secretions from infected birds and can be spread via vehicles, equipment, and shoes.
New Jersey farmers are being asked to take steps to prevent infection. State Veterinarian Amar Patil warned of the risks and said clinical signs of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cattle may include decreased appetite, drop in milk production, and abnormal feces.
To protect yourself from bird flu, avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, wear personal protective equipment if necessary, and follow proper cooking procedures for poultry and eggs. If you encounter sick or dead wild birds, report the finding to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and if you suspect bird flu in livestock or humans, alert the relevant authorities.
Source: https://www.nj.com/news/2025/02/nj-reports-first-bird-flu-case-in-domestic-poultry-in-2-years-amid-outbreak.html