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State Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) continues to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) across the United States. Many
western states are currently experiencing active infection in both commercial and backyard flock poultry. Additionally, the virus has infected flocks in Alabama, Minnesota, and Iowa. Highly pathogenic avian influenza continues to circulate in wild waterfowl. Currently, the Mississippi Flyway has the largest
number of active detections in wild waterfowl.
HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species. No human cases of these avian
influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. 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 and ocular, nasal, or oral secretions
from infected birds. The virus can be spread on vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc. Practicing good
biosecurity can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto your farm.
- Eliminating exposure of domestic birds to wild birds. Minimize standing water and extra feed in
the environment that might attract wild birds. - Avoid contact with other poultry.
- Keep a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending your poultry. You may also consider
disposable boot covers or a foot bath that is changed regularly. - Minimize the number of people who visit your birds.
- Avoid sharing equipment with other flocks. Use appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must
come onto a farm. - Obtain new birds from Avian Influenza tested flocks only.
HPAI is a reportable disease. Any individual who shall gain knowledge or suspect the existence of the
disease shall notify this office without delay. Deceased birds should be double-bagged and stored at
refrigerated temperatures 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.
For additional information about the disease and outreach materials, please see: