Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected at NJ Live Bird Market

First HPAI Case in New Jersey’s Domestic Poultry Since 2023; Officials Stress Low Public Health Risk

UNION COUNTY, NJ – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s (NJDA) Division of Animal Health, has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a Union County live bird market. This marks the state’s first domestic poultry case of HPAI since 2023. While the risk to the general public remains low, authorities are taking swift measures to contain the disease and safeguard local poultry operations.

Location & Discovery:

The HPAI case was identified in Union County, affecting a live bird market that sells domesticated poultry.

Samples tested at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory returned positive results during routine surveillance. Confirmatory tests are ongoing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory.

Immediate Quarantine & Disinfection:

The affected market is quarantined and will not receive new poultry until officials lift the restriction.

Comprehensive cleaning and disinfection will ensure the virus is eradicated from the premises before the market can reopen and restock.

Public Health & Safety:

No poultry believed to be infected was sold to the public.

HPAI is highly contagious and often deadly for domestic birds but poses low risk to humans, according to health officials.

Consumers should note that proper cooking of poultry and eggs to at least 165°F is considered safe.

Potential Exposures

Individuals who work at or have recently visited the market are being evaluated for symptoms by local health departments and the New Jersey Department of Health.

If exposed individuals show fever or respiratory symptoms, they will be promptly assessed for HPAI.

“I want to applaud the live bird markets taking necessary precautions which led to the quick identification of the illness in birds,” NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn said. “By reporting this to us immediately, we were able to prevent the sale of any sick birds to the public.”

Biosecurity and Prevention Measures

The NJDA emphasizes that poultry owners, industry workers, and the general public play a key role in preventing further spread. Good biosecurity practices include:

• Limiting contact between domestic and wild birds.
• Changing footwear or using foot baths to reduce cross-contamination.
• Reducing attractants like standing water and spilled feed that lure wild birds.
• Avoiding shared equipment between flocks without thorough disinfection.

Anyone who suspects or detects signs of HPAI in a flock must report it immediately to the NJDA Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400. Signs of the disease in poultry can include sudden death, respiratory distress, lethargy, and decreased egg production.

Broader Response to Wild Bird Die-Offs

Agencies such as NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and USDA APHIS are also monitoring HPAI in wild bird populations across the state, particularly in waterfowl, raptors, and scavenger species. Residents who come across dead wild birds should avoid contact and can double-bag and dispose of the carcass if needed, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting tools afterward. Reports of sick or deceased wild birds should be directed to 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

Since the first U.S. outbreak of HPAI in 2022, this virulent strain has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. Officials continue to coordinate efforts to prevent spread, preserve livestock health, and keep the public informed. For more details about HPAI prevention and current cases:

• NJDA: Divisions of Animal Health
• USDA APHIS: Avian Influenza Resource Page
• New Jersey H5N1 Updates: NJ.gov/H5N1

Authorities will continue to monitor the situation, and further updates will be provided if more outbreaks occur or if containment strategies change. Keeping flocks separate from wild birds, practicing strict hygiene, and reporting unusual bird deaths remain the most effective ways to protect against this highly transmissible virus.