Garden State Times

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a Union County live bird market. The coordination between state and federal partners is underway to address the situation.

The risk to the general public remains low, and no infected poultry were sold. HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species. Test samples from domestic poultry at the Union County premises were submitted as part of routine surveillance, with confirmatory testing ongoing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

State and federal partners are taking measures to prevent further spread. The affected market is quarantined, undergoing cleaning and disinfection before reopening. This follows cooperation from New Jersey live bird markets with recommendations for cleaning due to cases in New York City area markets.

NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn stated, “I want to applaud the live bird markets taking necessary precautions which led to the quick identification of the illness in birds.” This marks New Jersey's first positive HPAI case for domestic poultry since 2023.

Market workers are being monitored for symptoms by local health departments. Poultry owners and industry workers are reminded to maintain healthy flocks through precautionary measures.

HPAI poses a low risk to humans, with infections typically following close contact with infected birds or environments. Properly cooked poultry remains safe for consumption. Individuals exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms such as fever or respiratory issues for ten days post-exposure.

HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions from infected birds, emphasizing biosecurity practices like minimizing wild bird exposure, using dedicated clothing for poultry care, and avoiding equipment sharing among flocks.

PPE is available at Rutgers Cooperative Extension Offices across counties. HPAI is reportable; any suspicions should be reported immediately to relevant authorities.

In response to wild bird deaths attributed to avian influenza, multiple agencies continue efforts statewide. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife collaborates with APHIS on safe removal protocols for dead birds. Testing all birds may not be feasible; however, preliminary results guide actions.

Residents encountering sick or dead wildlife should avoid contact but can dispose safely using PPE and proper tools. Wild birds serve as natural reservoirs for avian influenza since its U.S. outbreak began in January 2022.

For more information on HPAI detections: USDA APHIS | 2022 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.