February 2025

The H5N1 Bird Flu is a disease caused by an infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) type A viruses. It is highly deadly to birds, currently the risk to humans is low.

Currently there is no reported spread of the virus from person to person. While the risk to the public is low, there are currently 66 confirmed human cases in the United States, and 1 reported death. There are no known human cases in New Jersey.

Tips to Staying Safe

• Keep pets away from wild birds, poultry and cattle.

• Do not eat/drink raw dairy products, undercooked poultry or eggs. Avoid feeding pets as well.

• Avoid touching surfaces contaminated by sick birds or animals without proper protection.

• Avoid direct contact with wild birds.

• DO NOT touch wild or domestic birds that appear sick or have died.

If you encounter a sick or dead bird, do not touch it. Please report it to NJDEP or NJDA immediately.

Report sick or dead poultry or livestock:

New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health

609-671-6400 or state.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov

To report sick or dead wild birds:

NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife hotline at

1-877-WARNDEP