Six Cats in Hunterdon County Test Positive for Bird Flu

Six cats in Hunterdon County have tested positive for the H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which is commonly known as bird flu, according to officials.

Two cats at a property in the county tested positive late last month, and four more were confirmed positive this week, reported TAPInto Flemington/Raritan, a local news website.

The location of the property was not released by the county.

One of the infected cats developed severe neurologic symptoms and was euthanized.

Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John Lanza said he convened a meeting last week with municipal officials and the Hunterdon County Office of Emergency Management staff to discuss the feline cases.

Hunterdon County Health Officer Karen DeMarco said the county is working with the New Jersey Department of Health.

“Risk of H5 infection to the general population remains low, but the Hunterdon County Health Department is taking proactive action to educate the general public about bird flu and encouraging those at higher risk for exposure, including agricultural workers,” DeMarco said.

State health officials said cats are particularly susceptible to the H5 strain and often experience severe illness and high mortality rates.

Potential exposure sources for cats include consuming raw milk or undercooked meat contaminated with the virus, contact with infected birds or other animals, and exposure to contaminated items, officials said.

Clinical signs in cats can include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, respiratory issues like discharge and difficulty breathing, and neurologic symptoms such as seizures and wobbling, authorities said.

New Jersey residents are urged to contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect their cat may have bird flu. Anyone with concerns should contact their veterinarian before bringing the cat in for examination to allow for necessary precautions.

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.

Cat owners are advised to avoid feeding raw milk or undercooked meat, keep cats indoors to prevent exposure to wildlife, and avoid contact with poultry and livestock environments.

Thorough handwashing after handling pets or animals is also recommended, officials said.

Residents who find sick or dead wild birds should not handle them and should contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP.

Sick or dead poultry should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health at 609-671-6400.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said millions of chickens have been culled due to the bird flu and one person has died from it. As of Friday, there were more than 70 human cases confirmed.

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