Understanding Bird Flu Outbreaks

Ongoing monitoring by the NJDEP has recently detected a significant uptick in cases of avian influenza in wild birds, and some nearby Somerset County trails and parks have closed in response.

Duke Farms is closely following conditions and staying in contact with state and county officials.

H5N1 101

Avian influenza is a virus that primarily affects birds, especially wild waterfowl (e.g. ducks, geese) and domesticated chickens. Some strains—like HPAI H5N1, the strain responsible for the current outbreak and trail closures—can cause severe illness and death in these species, but public health agencies currently consider the risk to the general public to be low. Although avian influenza is transmissible to humans in rare cases, there has never been an instance of human H5N1 infection in the state of New Jersey. Avoiding close contact with sick or dead birds and practicing good hygiene are, as at any time, strongly recommended.

Outbreaks of avian influenza like this one are better understood as threats to wildlife and ecosystem health. Somerset County’s rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands serve as vital habitat for both waterfowl and the raptors (e.g. hawks, owls, vultures) who feed on them.

Those familiar with bald eagle biology might know that the second half of this description fits them to a tee. Our resident eagle family—which is happily growing after yesterday's successful hatch of the first eaglet—appears healthy and well fed by all accounts. If we feel concern for their safety in light of this outbreak, that's a good sign of our empathy for these animals and a reminder to take the wellbeing of the ecosystem they (and we) belong to seriously.

Out of responsibility to both its avian and its human visitors, Duke Farms continues to coordinate with NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and state/county health partners, reporting data and adjusting internal procedures as needed to reduce risk to wildlife and people.

How to Help

Do not touch sick or dead birds

Do not pick up, move, or try to rehabilitate birds, and keep children and pets away too. Backyard poultry owners, whose risk of exposure is necessarily higher, should track and follow biosecurity guidance.

Report unusual bird deaths or behavior

"Unusual" in this case means multiple dead birds in one location, particularly if they are waterfowl or raptors. Birds that are weak, unable to stand/fly, or acting abnormally may be exhibiting signs of infection.

If seen at Duke Farms, call our security team: (908) 243-3600

Keep enjoying the outdoors, safely

We can't hope to notice or address problems in our local ecosystem if we disconnect from it. Birdwatch and recreate as usual, from a distance—the same you'd maintain to avoid disturbing wildlife anyway. As always, don't feed or handle wild birds, and wash your hands after visiting the outdoor spaces we share with birds.

Bottom line

Stay aware, don’t handle sick or dead birds, and report unusual bird deaths or behavior. We’ll continue monitoring and will update guidance if recommendations change.

Further Resources

• Bird Flu (H5N1) - Somerset County

• Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - CDC

• Defend the Flock - USDA