First feline case confirmed in New Jersey
Public health officials confirmed the first known case of bird flu in a New Jersey cat on Friday, stating that the infected feline had to be humanely euthanized.
The cat, a feral animal in Hunterdon County, tested positive for H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu—commonly known as “bird flu”—according to the United States Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Service, the New Jersey Department of Health announced in a press release.
Severe illness led to euthanasia
The cat developed a “severe disease,” showing signs of neurological impairment, leading to its euthanasia, officials stated.
An ongoing investigation seeks to determine how the feline contracted the virus, though authorities suspect exposure to wild birds.
Bird flu poses significant risks to cats
Bird flu is often fatal for cats, who can become infected through contact with wild birds, contaminated raw milk or meat, or even exposure to infected clothing.
The virus has been devastating farms across the U.S., with over 166 million birds affected since the outbreak began in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Concerns over virus transmission
“The H5N1 virus has the ability to move from one species to another,” said New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Ed Wengryn. “That is why we have worked closely with our poultry and dairy industries on biosecurity measures to prevent exposure by wild animals, and feral cats are another example of the risks to livestock and humans.”
Impact on New Jersey and beyond
Although avian flu poses a low public health threat to humans in New Jersey, it has continued to spread across American farms.
According to the CDC, at least 657 counties nationwide have reported over 1,600 outbreaks of the virus, which affects wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard farming operations.
In New Jersey, outbreaks have been reported in Bergen, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, and Warren counties since 2022. The largest recent outbreak occurred earlier this week at a live bird market in Union.
The virus has also impacted cattle, with 976 dairy herds confirmed to have contracted the disease since 2022.
