By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced that their Health Services is working with state and local partners to monitor the current national H5N1 avian influenza outbreak affecting wild birds, poultry, and dairy cows.
Currently, there have been no reported cases of human infection in New Jersey, authorities stated. 
According to Middlesex County officials, H5N1 (called “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza” or “bird flu”) is a disease caused by influenza A viruses. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, can carry and spread these viruses but may not show signs of illness. H5N1 can also cause severe disease and death in domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese.
Multiple states have reported that H5N1 is causing illness in dairy cattle, MCPO officials say. Cases have also been reported in wild birds, mammals, and other domestic companion animals, such as cats.
Middlesex County officials stated that individuals with close or prolonged contact with infected animals or contaminated environments may be at a higher risk of infection.
While the current public health risk to humans is low, the Middlesex County Office of Health Services advises that individuals who have direct contact with infected animals should take precautions to lower the risk of infection, Middlesex authorities said.
H5N1 Bird Flu Prevention Guidelines and Resources
According to MCPO officials, Health Services is advising residents to follow these guidelines and resources to reduce risks of exposure to H5N1 bird flu to themselves or their pets:
-Keep your distance from wild birds: Avoid direct contact with wild birds; observe them from afar.
-Avoid unprotected contact with wild or domestic birds that appear sick or have died.
-Do not eat or drink raw milk or dairy products: Only eat or drink milk or dairy products made from pasteurized milk, and avoid feeding pets raw milk or dairy products. Raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products can contain germs that can cause illness in individuals and pets.
-Follow food safety guidelines for cooking: Cook poultry, eggs, and beef to appropriate internal temperatures before eating. For guidance on safe internal temperatures, please visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) website for more information at www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/safe-temperature-chart.
-Wear protective equipment: Individuals who may be in contact with infected or potentially infected birds, dairy cows, or other animals should take additional preventative measures, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/groups/.
-Report sick or dead wild birds: Call the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877) 927-6337.
-Report sick or dead domestic birds (backyard poultry): Contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health at (609) 671-6400.
Resources for Healthcare Providers and Public Health Partners
MCPO authorities said that healthcare providers and public health partners can enroll to receive information through the New Jersey Local Information Network and Communication System (NJLINCS).
NJLINCS is a statewide public health emergency notification system that is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Alert Network, Middlesex County officials say. To enroll in the program, please contact Marianella Flores at 732-745-8858 or marianella.flores@co.middlesex.nj.us.
Anyone interested in assisting with the County’s preparedness efforts can volunteer with the Middlesex County Medical Center Corps (MRC), a network of community-based, locally organized units composed of health professional volunteers and community health volunteers who help ensure their communities are healthy, prepared, and resilient, according to Middlesex County authorities.
Please visit https://njmrc.njlincs.net/ to create an account and sign up to volunteer. For more information on volunteering, please contact Ainsley Hilfiker at 732-745-3123 or ainsley.hilfiker@co.middlesex.nj.us.
The Middlesex County Office of Health Services will continue working with state and local partners to monitor the outbreak and will provide information when updates are available.
Additional guidance and information for residents, healthcare providers, and public health partners can be found at www.middlesexcountynj.gov, search “H5N1.”