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Hunterdon County
3/6/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 06, 2025
Contact: Shaun C. Van Doren
shaun.vandoren@co.hunterdon.nj.us
New Jersey Department of Health Confirms Additional Feline Cases of H5/HPAI “Bird Flu”
On February 28th, the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed two cases of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI
or “bird flu”) in 2 domestic cats in Hunterdon County. Other cats on the same property had been ill and additional test
results were pending. Today, Hunterdon County Health Officer Karen DeMarco provided an update and reports the
laboratory testing for the pending samples confirms the four additional felines also tested positive for HPAI. A total of six
cats tested positive for HPAI, all six are connected on the same property.
County Commissioner and Liaison to the Department of Health Shaun C. Van Doren noted, “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.”
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.
County Health Officer DeMarco added, “Health department staff are conducting daily symptom monitoring
County Health Officer DeMarco added, “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.”
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 assistance.
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 suspect 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:
continued: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/Docum...3-06-25?bidId=
3/6/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 06, 2025
Contact: Shaun C. Van Doren
shaun.vandoren@co.hunterdon.nj.us
New Jersey Department of Health Confirms Additional Feline Cases of H5/HPAI “Bird Flu”
On February 28th, the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed two cases of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI
or “bird flu”) in 2 domestic cats in Hunterdon County. Other cats on the same property had been ill and additional test
results were pending. Today, Hunterdon County Health Officer Karen DeMarco provided an update and reports the
laboratory testing for the pending samples confirms the four additional felines also tested positive for HPAI. A total of six
cats tested positive for HPAI, all six are connected on the same property.
County Commissioner and Liaison to the Department of Health Shaun C. Van Doren noted, “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.”
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.
County Health Officer DeMarco added, “Health department staff are conducting daily symptom monitoring
County Health Officer DeMarco added, “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.”
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 assistance.
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 suspect 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:
continued: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/Docum...3-06-25?bidId=
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