Dear Residents,

H5N1 (also called “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” or “bird flu”) is a disease caused by influenza A viruses. This disease primarily affects wild birds but can also spread to domestic poultry, livestock, and some mammals.

The risk of human infection is generally low. Though, this risk is higher for those in close contact with infected animals, such as farmworkers, bird rehabilitators, and hunters. Symptoms of H5N1 include (but is not limited to): cough or sore throat, eye redness or eye discharge (conjunctivitis), fatigue, fever, runny nose (rhinorrhea), muscle pain (myalgia) and stiff joints.

Preventative measures include avoiding contact with sick or dead animals, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and practicing good hygiene. People should not cook or eat uncooked or undercooked food such as raw milk and raw cheeses from animals with expected or confirmed H5N1 virus infection.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently have concerns regarding the safety or availability of pasteurized milk products, including pasteurized cheese, sold across the country. Pasteurization has consistently proven effective in killing bacteria and viruses, such as influenza, in milk and dairy products.

For more information and resources on avian influenza, please visit H5N1 NJDOH and H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation (CDC).