6 Cats Confirmed With Bird Flu In Hunterdon County

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — Four more cats were confirmed with cases of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in Hunterdon County. This brings the total to six cats now.

Two cats were first reported with the bird flu on Feb. 28 in Hunterdon County, according to the New Jersey Department of Health(NJDOH).

Since that report other cats on the same property had been ill, according to Hunterdon County Health Officials.

On Thursday, Hunterdon County Health Officer Karen DeMarco said the laboratory testing for the pending samples confirms the four additional felines also tested positive for HPAI.

All six cats who tested positive for HPAI are connected to the same property.

"I am advised that the risk of H5 infection to the general population continues to remain low, but the Hunterdon County Health Department will continue to take proactive action including educating those at greater risk for exposure which includes agricultural workers," said County Commissioner and Liaison to the Department of Health Shaun C. Van Doren.

According to NJDOH, cats are particularly susceptible to H5 HPAI and often experience severe disease and high mortality when infected.

Potential exposure sources of H5 HPAI for cats include consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw/undercooked meat contaminated with the virus, infected birds or other animals and their environments, or exposure to contaminated clothing or items (fomites) worn or used on affected premises.

"Health department staff are conducting daily symptom monitoring with all individuals who had close contact with the affected animals, and all are asymptomatic at this time," said County Health Officer DeMarco.

New Jersey residents should contact their veterinarian immediately if they are concerned that their cat may have H5 bird flu.

Anyone who suspects a possible exposure or who has H5 HPAI concerns about their cat should contact their veterinarian prior to bringing the cat in to be seen so that the veterinarian can take the necessary precautions to prevent spread of disease.

Residents who observe a sick stray or feral cat should contact their local animal control for help.

Veterinarians who suspect H5 HPAI in a cat should follow CDC recommendations to help protect themselves and prevent exposures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling the cats.

All suspected feline cases should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Health Communicable Disease Service at 609-826-4872 or zoonoticrn@doh.nj.gov.

Testing for suspect feline cases is available at the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, a member of the USDA’s National Animal Health Laboratory Network. Guidance for veterinarians on specimen collection and submission can be found here.

New Jersey residents can find additional information and recommendations on ways to help prevent H5 bird flu infection in cats from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Additionally, cat owners can take the following steps to help protect their pets:

• Do not feed cats raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products and avoid feeding any raw or undercooked meat treats or diets.
• Keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to birds and other wildlife.
• Keep cats away from livestock, poultry, and their environments.
• Avoid contact with sick or dead birds and other wildlife yourself.
• Thoroughly wash your hands after handling your cat and after any encounters with poultry, livestock, or wild birds and other animals.
• Change your clothes and shoes, and thoroughly wash any exposed skin, after interacting with sick or dead animals that may harbor the H5N1 virus, and before interacting with your cat.
• Contact a veterinarian if you notice signs of H5 HPAI or think your cat might have been exposed to the virus.

NJDOH continues to work in collaboration with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the NJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA) to monitor the occurrences of H5N1 Avian Influenza and its impact in the State.

• If you find sick or dead wild birds, do not handle them. Contact NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.
• To report sick or dead poultry, do not handle them. Contact the NJDA Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

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