The US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health have confirmed a new Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) case in a Union County live bird market.
Although the risk to the general public is low, HPAI can be fatal for domestic poultry and highly contagious. The market was identified after routine test samples from domestic poultry revealed the presence of the disease. To prevent further spread, the live bird market has closed.
Biosecurity practices can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto farms. This includes eliminating exposure to wild birds, avoiding contact with other poultry, keeping specific shoes and clothing for tending to poultry, minimizing visits from multiple people, using disposable boot covers or foot baths, and disinfecting equipment.
For more information on HPAI, including reporting requirements and outreach materials, visit the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s website at https://www.nj.gov/H5N1/. Local health department information can be found at www.localhealth.nj.gov.
Source: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/news/press/2025/approved/press250221.html