Morristown NJ
Public Notices and Press Releases
Friday February 28 2025 2:43pm

First Case of H5 Avian Influenza Confirmed in New Jersey Cat

Officials Emphasize Caution, Though Public Health Risk Remains Low

TRENTON, NJ – The first confirmed case of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in a New Jersey cat has been reported in Hunterdon County. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Veterinary Services Laboratory confirmed the case, which follows similar feline infections reported in other states.

The affected cat, part of a feral colony, developed severe illness, including neurological symptoms, and was euthanized. Another cat from the same property, which had both indoor and outdoor access, also tested positive for the virus. Additional tests are pending as health officials continue their investigation.

Low Public Health Risk, But Precautions Advised

Officials stress that the overall public health risk remains low. While isolated cases of H5 HPAI have been detected in humans within the U.S.—mostly among individuals in direct contact with infected poultry or livestock—no human cases have been reported in New Jersey. To date, no known cases nationwide have been linked to exposure from infected cats.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is working with local health officials to monitor individuals who have come into contact with the infected cats. As of now, all exposed individuals are asymptomatic. However, residents who have had close, unprotected contact with an animal suspected of carrying H5 HPAI are advised to contact their local health department and self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days.

“While the risk of H5 infection to the general population remains low at this time, it is important for people to learn more about the situation and take steps to avoid potential infection through exposure to animals, including feral cats,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, MD, MSc, DFASAM. “We continue to work with state and federal partners to monitor the spread of this virus and provide public information on mitigating the risks.”

How Cats May Contract H5 HPAI

Cats are particularly susceptible to H5 HPAI and often develop severe illness with high mortality rates. They may become infected through:

  • Consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw/undercooked meat contaminated with the virus.
  • Contact with infected birds, other animals, or contaminated environments.
  • Exposure to clothing, shoes, or other objects contaminated with the virus.

In this case, the infected cats had no reported exposure to infected poultry, livestock, or unpasteurized dairy or meat, but they were known to roam outdoors, where exposure to wild birds or other infected animals remains a possibility.

Symptoms of H5 HPAI in Cats

Symptoms of H5 bird flu in cats can include:

  • General symptoms: Loss of appetite, fever, lethargy.
  • Respiratory symptoms: Eye and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing.
  • Neurological symptoms: Seizures, circling, unsteady gait, blindness.

Guidance for Cat Owners and Veterinarians

New Jersey residents who suspect their cat may have been exposed to H5 HPAI should contact a veterinarian immediately. To prevent further spread, pet owners should call ahead before bringing their cat in for evaluation, so the veterinary office can take necessary precautions.

Those who encounter sick stray or feral cats should contact their local animal control authorities rather than handling the animals themselves.

Veterinarians who suspect H5 HPAI in a feline patient should follow CDC-recommended safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Suspected cases should be reported to the NJDOH Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-4872 or zoonoticrn@doh.nj.gov. Testing is available through the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, a USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network member.

Preventing H5 HPAI in Cats

Pet owners can take the following steps to reduce the risk of bird flu infection in cats:

  • Avoid raw food diets – Do not feed cats raw or unpasteurized milk, dairy, or undercooked meat.
  • Keep cats indoors – Limit exposure to wild birds and other animals.
  • Prevent contact with livestock and poultry – Avoid areas where infected animals may be present.
  • Practice good hygiene – Wash hands thoroughly after handling cats, poultry, or wild animals.
  • Decontaminate clothing – Change clothes and clean exposed skin after interacting with potentially infected animals before handling pets.

“The H5N1 virus has the ability to move from one species to another,” New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn said. "That is why we have worked closely with our poultry and dairy industries on biosecurity measures to prevent exposure by wild animals, and feral cats are another example of the risks to livestock and humans.”

Statewide Monitoring Efforts

The NJDOH is working in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) to track H5N1 Avian Influenza cases and their impact across the state.

“Despite low risk to the public, avian influenza is believed to be present in wild birds in all of New Jersey’s counties,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “The Department of Environmental Protection continues to work closely with state and federal partners to track and respond to avian flu in wild birds and keep the public informed.” 

Residents who encounter sick or dead wild birds should avoid contact and report sightings to the NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.

For sick or deceased poultry, residents should contact the NJDA Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

Officials continue to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

Additional Resources
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Mammals, May 2022 to Present
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