Highly Infectious Avian Flu Confirmed in Monmouth County Poultry

First 2022 HPAI case in New Jersey.

Monmouth County, NJ -

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) confirmed the state's first Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza case in a Monmouth County non-commercial backyard poultry flock.

The test samples were collected from a duck and chicken flock in Monmouth County and were tested at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory.

The duck flock had experienced high mortality, and some displayed neurologic signs before succumbing to the disease.

Congruent testing was completed at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory, which confirmed the detection of the disease on the evening of May 17, 2022.

State and federal personnel implementing site quarantine, proper biosecurity measures, and depopulation of poultry on the premises.

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern.

As a reminder, poultry and eggs’ proper handling and cooking to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F kill bacteria and viruses.

Signs of HPAI in poultry can include:

Sudden death
Decrease in feed or water consumption
Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
Swelling around the eyes
Open-mouth breathing
Darkening of the comb/wattles
Reddening of the shanks or feet
Decreased egg production
Lethargy

HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions, including feces, ocular, nasal, or oral secretions from infected birds. The virus can spread via vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc.

Practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto a farm.

Those biosecurity practices include:

Eliminating exposure of domestic birds to wild birds.
Minimizing standing water and extra feed in the environment that might attract wild birds.
Avoiding contact with other poultry.
Keeping a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. Disposable boot covers or a foot bath that is changed regularly.
Minimizing the number of people who visit the birds.
Avoid sharing equipment with other flocks and using appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must come onto a farm.

HPAI is a reportable disease. Any individual who has knowledge or suspects the existence of the disease must notify the APHIS office without delay.

Deceased birds suspected of having Avian Influenza should be double-bagged and stored appropriately for testing.

Do not expose dead poultry to the environment, other poultry, or wildlife/wild birds. Wash your hands after handling sick or dead birds.

If you suspect HPAI, please alert the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

Additional information about the disease and outreach materials.

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