Bird Flu

What You Need to Know About Bird Flu 

In response to the recent case of 25 dead geese found in Belmar and Shark River Hills on Friday, February 14th, the Middletown Township Health Department would like to inform residents of what to do in case you come across dead birds. 

How to Report Dead Birds

Never touch a dead animal and keep pets away from them. Middletown Animal Control will pick up dead animals if the number of dead birds/animals is 5 or greater. When found, please report dead birds via the Township’s Connect & Correct platform at middletownnj.org/connectcorrectcategories. Middletown Animal Control will monitor requests via the online portal, so you do not need to call to report the birds. If you find fewer than 5 dead birds on your property, please follow the directions below: 

  1. Do not touch the animals and keep pets away. 
  2. Pick the animals up with a shovel. 
  3. Double bag the animals in heavy duty plastic bags. 
  4. Dispose of the bags in your sealed garbage can located outside in open air and away from pets.  
  5. Wash your hands. 

As of right now, there have been zero reports of person-to-person transmission. If you feel you or someone in your family may have been exposed to a sick animal through direct exposure, such as a farmworker or veterinarian, please contact the Middletown Township Health Department at 732-615-2095. 

The Middletown Township Health Department is working with the State and County to stay on top of this evolving situation and appreciate the public’s cooperation. The Health Department will log all reports of dead birds and share them with the appropriate State agency. Please keep in mind that the Middletown Township Health Department does not determine what testing is done on dead animals.   

What is Bird Flu? 

Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that is usually spread between birds, not person-to-person. The current public health risk is low, as direct exposure is needed via close contact and working with sick animals.   

Safety Tips for Those Working with Animals 

If you are a farmworker, veterinarian, or have direct contact with animals at a zoo or aquarium and have questions, please contact the Middletown Township Health Department and review this guidance from the CDC.  

What About My Backyard Chickens? 

If a chicken is showing signs of illness, you should avoid contact with the animal and call a veterinarian. If direct contact must be made, you should wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, a mask, and eye protection.  

Food Preparation 

Bacteria and viruses are killed when food is cooked to proper temperatures. Cook poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 degrees and beef to 145 degrees. Choose milk and milk products that have been pasteurized and always keep raw animal products separated from cooked food. Remember to wash your hands after handling raw animal products.  

Travel 

It is best to avoid poultry farms, bird markets, or other places where live poultry are raised, kept, or sold. If you must visit such places, wear personal protective equipment and avoid touching poultry or other birds. Do not visit dairy farms with sick cows or eat raw or undercooked poultry products. Always remember to wash your hands after touching uncooked animal products. If you become ill while traveling, seek medical care.

Additional Information

Up-to-date information from the State of NJ on the Bird Flu can be found at nj.gov/H5N1.