On February 28th, the New Jersey Department of Health confirmed two cases of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or “bird flu”) in 2 domestic cats in Hunterdon County. Other cats on the same property had been ill and additional test results were pending. On 6th March, Hunterdon County Health Officer Karen DeMarco provided an update and reports the laboratory testing for the pending samples confirms the four additional felines also tested positive for HPAI. A total of six cats tested positive for HPAI, all six are connected on the same property. County Commissioner and Liaison to the Department of Health Shaun C. Van Doren noted, “I am advised that the risk of H5 infection to the general population continues to remain low, but the Hunterdon County Health Department will continue to take proactive action including educating those at greater risk for exposure which includes agricultural workers.” According to NJDOH, cats are particularly susceptible to H5 HPAI and often experience severe disease and high mortality when infected. Potential exposure sources of H5 HPAI for cats include consuming raw (unpasteurized) milk or raw/undercooked meat contaminated with the virus, infected birds or other animals and their environments, or exposure to contaminated clothing or items (fomites) worn or used on affected premises. County Health Officer DeMarco added, “Health department staff are conducting daily symptom monitoring with all individuals who had close contact with the affected animals, and all are asymptomatic at this time.”