Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Confirmed at Union County Live Bird Market!

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) have confirmed a case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) at a live bird market in Union County, New Jersey.

The disease is highly contagious and often deadly for domestic poultry but poses a low risk to the general public. Authorities assured that no infected poultry were sold to the public.

The case was identified during routine testing at the market, and it is now under quarantine. The market will undergo thorough cleaning and disinfection before reopening.

This measure aims to prevent the virus from spreading. The NJDA praised the quick actions taken by the market, which helped identify the illness early and stopped the sale of potentially sick birds.

This is the first confirmed HPAI case in domestic poultry in New Jersey since 2023. Individuals working at the market are being monitored for symptoms, and health officials are on alert.

While HPAI is not considered a significant public health risk, people who have had close contact with infected birds are advised to watch for symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.

HPAI is highly contagious among poultry and can spread through contact with secretions from infected birds.

It is crucial to follow biosecurity practices to prevent the disease from reaching farms. Poultry owners are encouraged to limit exposure to wild birds, avoid contact with other poultry, and maintain strict hygiene.

The virus can also affect wild bird populations. State and federal agencies are responding to bird deaths linked to HPAI across New Jersey.

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People are advised to avoid sick or dead birds and report any findings to the authorities. If removal is necessary, personal protective equipment should be used to minimize exposure.

HPAI is a reportable disease. If you suspect an infection in birds, contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

For human concerns, contact the local health department. Officials emphasize that properly cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat.

The outbreak is being closely monitored, and authorities are working to control the situation to protect both poultry and public health.

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