H5N1 – Avian Influenza

Background

H5N1, also known as “bird flu,” is a disease caused by influenza A viruses, and is carried and
spread by wild birds. While bird flu primarily affects poultry and other birds, the virus can also
infect cattle, other animals, and humans. Currently, bird flu is widespread in wild birds globally,
causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. While the risk of bird flu infection remains low for
the general public, the Teaneck Health Department continues to collaborate with state and
federal agencies to monitor and respond to any developments.

As of February 14, 2025, there have been 68 confirmed human cases of bird flu in the United
States. Most of these cases have been linked to exposure to infected dairy cows. Currently, no
human cases of bird flu have been reported in New Jersey.

Preventing Infection

To reduce your risk of infection from bird flu, there are a several steps you can take:

• Avoid Sources of Exposure: Birds infected with the virus can shed it in their saliva,
mucous, and feces. Other animals, like cows, can shed the virus in respiratory secretions
and body fluids, like milk. Humans can become infected when enough of the virus
enters their eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled. Close or prolonged contact with infected
birds or animals can put you at a greater risk of infection.

• Do Not Consume Raw Milk: Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, and goats that has not
been pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of treating foods to eliminate harmful
pathogens, like influenza, to ensure that they are safe for consumption. Raw milk
products can contain a variety of viruses and bacteria, and should not be consumed by
humans and pets.

• Properly Prepare Food: Poultry and eggs should be cooked to an internal temperature
of 165˚F to kill bacteria and viruses. Ground beef should reach an internal temperature
of 160˚F, and whole cuts of beef should reach 145°F then rest for 3 minutes.

• Wear Personal Protective Equipment: If you must have direct or close contact with sick
or dead wild birds, poultry, or other animals, personal protective equipment (PPE)
should be worn to prevent the spread of infection. PPE includes respirators, goggles,
face shields, and gloves.

Backyard Poultry

Residents who keep backyard poultry should take extra precautions to protect themselves and
their flock from bird flu.
• Limit Exposure to Wild Birds: Keep backyard poultry in a secure area to avoid contact
with wild birds
• Maintain Biosecurity: Properly clean and disinfect all equipment, and practice strict
hygiene
• Monitor Your Flock: Checks for signs of illness in your flock regularly. Bird flu can cause
the following symptoms in poultry:
o Swelling of the head or neck
o Respiratory distress
(coughing and sneezing)
o Decreased egg production
o Diarrhea
o Loss of appetite
o Lethargy

• Isolate New Birds: Quarantine new poultry from the rest of the flock for at least two
weeks to prevent the introduction of disease

• Know Your Risk: While it is rare for people to become infected with bird flu viruses, it
does happen. Learn more about how infected backyard poultry can spread bird flu.

Reporting Sick Birds or Unexplained Deaths

All poultry owners need to report sick or unexplained bird deaths to state and federal
officials immediately. For small flocks, this can include deaths of one bird per day for two days
in a row.

For more information or to report sick or dead poultry, please contact:

New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health
609-671-6400 or state.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov
Report Sick Poultry or Unexplained Poultry Deaths (Online Form)
OR
US Department of Agriculture, APHIS Veterinary Services (NJ Area Office):
609-259-5260 or toll-free at 1-866-536-7593

Reporting Dead Wild Birds

If you find dead wild birds, please call:
• US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services: 908-735-5654
• New Jersey Department of Agriculture: 609-671-6400
• US Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Services: 609-259-5260
Additional Information
For more information on bird flu, please visit www.CDC.gov/Bird-Flu and www.NJ.gov/H5N1.