ATTENTION: Bird Flu Infection Confirmed in 2 New Jersey Cats

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The first feline case of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in the Garden State has been confirmed in a feral cat from Hunterdon County. The infection originated from a feral cat and transmitted to a domestic cat. 

While the chances of animal-to-human transmission is considered minimal and the risk to public health is low, the amount of documentation is also scarce.

Residents are urged to adhere to the following:

• To report sick or dead poultry or livestock contact: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health (609) 671-6400 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;
• Report sick or dead wild birds to the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP; and
• Residents with indoor/outdoor cats are encouraged to keep their cats indoors.  If your cat appears sick, contact your veterinarian preemptively so the staff can be prepared for the intake and be equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

According to the Township’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), HPAI is widespread in wild birds globally and is causing outbreaks in the U.S., mainly in poultry and dairy cows with several recent human cases in dairy and poultry workers. However, there are no known human cases in New Jersey.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring the situation carefully and are working with various state health agencies to observe people who interact with animals.

For more information:

• Click here to visit the Hunterdon County Health Department has a webpage dedicated to updating the public on the novel HPAI Virus. The county website contains information and guidance regarding this outbreak; and
• Click here to read the New Jersey Department of Health press release about the detection and clinical signs to watch for in cats.

Updates will be provided as they become available, and residents can also sign-up to receive additional notifications from OEM by clicking here.

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