
Hunterdon County Commissioner Deputy Director Van Doren provides update on bird flu
HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – After meeting with officials from the County Health Department regarding the ongoing Avian Influenza (H5N1) or “Bird Flu” public health challenge, Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren alerted the public about the County Health Department’s preparedness plans.
Deputy Director Van Doren stated, “H5N1 Avian Influenza, also known as Bird Flu, continues to be a concern, with outbreaks in wild birds and poultry across the United States. While the current public health risk remains low, we are closely monitoring the situation and working with federal and state agencies to ensure the safety of our residents.”
The H5N1 Bird Flu has been found in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry, with several recent human cases reported among U.S. poultry and dairy workers. While the public health risk remains low at this time, the CDC continues to monitor the situation and is working with states to track individuals with animal exposures.
Currently, there is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person. As of now, there are 66 confirmed human cases in the U.S. and one reported death, but no known human cases have been detected in New Jersey.
As of January 9th, there have been no reported cases of H5N1 detected in New Jersey’s domestic cattle or poultry. However, since January 10th, Avian Influenza is suspected to have caused the deaths of several wild birds, mainly snow geese, across the state.
Preliminary testing within New Jersey has yielded presumptive positive results for H5N1 in seven snow geese, two Canada geese, and two hawks recovered from Warren, Middlesex, Morris, and Sussex Counties.
Van Doren emphasized the importance of taking precautions, particularly for individuals who work with poultry, dairy cows, or wildlife. “Those in high-risk groups should use personal protective equipment (PPE) and avoid contact with wild birds, especially sick or dead ones,” he advised. “It is crucial to report any sick or dead birds to the appropriate authorities to help track and manage the spread of the virus.”
The Hunterdon County Health Department is actively tracking the latest information and providing updates to the public. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidelines provided by health officials to minimize the risk of exposure.
For more information from the Hunterdon County Health Department on Avian Influenza and how to protect yourself, click here or call the Health Department directly at: 908-788-1351.
To report sick or dead poultry or livestock contact: New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health 609-671-6400 or email state.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov.
Report sick or dead wild birds to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.
For more information on the current situation nationally, visit the CDC website.