'Highly Contagious' Bird Flu Detected In Bergen County: NJ Department Of Agriculture

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A new case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or bird flu, was confirmed Wednesday in a non-commercial backyard poultry flock in Bergen County. This is the first detection for domestic poultry in the county this year, according to New Jersey Department of Agriculture spokesperson Jeff Wolfe.

HPIA, detected in samples taken from the premises, is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry species, the department said. In fact, some of the locally owned birds died, and some displayed neurological signs before succumbing to the disease.

Recent detections in birds, however, do not present an "immediate public health concern," as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Signs of HPAI in poultry can include sudden death, decrease in feed or water consumption, or in egg production; respiratory symptoms; swelling around the eyes; open-mouth breathing; or lethargy. The fleshy growths at the tops of heads and hangs under the chin can also darken; or the shanks, or feet can redden.

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

Proper biosecurity measures, however, the NJDA said, "can help prevent the spread of HPAI onto a farm." Recommendations on how to maintain a healthy flock were provided to poultry owners and the general public by the NJDA, the department added.

Such 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 specific shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. A foot bath, or disposable boot covers that are changed regularly are other measures that can be used.
• Minimizing the number of people who visit the birds.
• Avoiding sharing equipment with other flocks, and using appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must come onto a farm.

Also, the NJDA reminds that proper cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kill bacteria and viruses.

State and federal partners are coordinating a disease response, implementing the aforementioned measures, site quarantine and depopulation of poultry on the premises, the exact location of which was not publicized due to department policy.

The NJDA tells people not to expose dead poultry, and to wash one's hands after handling sick or dead birds. Dead birds suspected of having the disease should be double-bagged and stored appropriately for testing.

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