H5N1 (Bird Flu)

What is H5N1?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a type of bird flu that causes severe illness and high mortality in infected birds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk to the public from HPAI to be low, but people with certain exposures are at greater risk.

For up-to-date information and updates, visit:

Testing, Vaccinations and Treatment

Testing: Healthcare providers can diagnose avian flu with a throat or nose swab or a swab from the conjunctiva of your eye. Current tests will detect H5N1 (bird flu) as Influenza A. If you test positive for Influenza Aand have been in contact with birds, cows, or other animals, let your provider know so they can send the sample in for H5N1 testing.

Vaccine: While getting a seasonal flu vaccine only prevents seasonal flu and will not protect against H5N1 bird flu, it is important that people get a seasonal flu vaccine.

Treatment: CDC currently recommends treatment as soon as possible with flu antiviral drugs for people with suspected or confirmed avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection.

*CDC: Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People

Exposure Guidance

If you encounter sick or dead wild birds report the finding to the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337). 

  • Do not touch these sick or dead wild birds.

If you encounter sick or dead domestic poultry or livestock report the finding to theNJ Department of Agriculture (NJDA), Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400 orstate.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov

FAQs

What do you do if you feel sick after exposure to a sick or dead bird or other animal?

Stay home and away from other until you feel better. For more information, visit:CDC "What to do if you feel sick with H5N1?"

Is it safe to consume cooked poultry or beef products?

Yes. There is no evidence of anyone in the U.S. getting infected after eating cooked poultry or beef products. 

Is it safe to consume milk products?

 Avoid unpasteurized (raw milk) milk productsbecause H5N1 has been found in this type of milk. Pasteurized milk products are safe to consume because the pasteurization process kills harmful germs in milk.

Can pets get sick from bird flu?

 Yes, pets can get sick from the bird flu. You should prevent pets from eating sick or dead birds, or other animals. Prevent them from exposure to wild birds, poultry, and cattle and their environments. Prevent them from consuming unpasteurized milk products. 

Can pets transmit bird flu to humans?

Yes, but the risk is consideredextremely low. While it's unlikely that you would get sick with bird flu through direct contact with your infected pet, it is possible.