As Cape May County is currently one of the five counties in New Jersey with confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), I’m reaching out to ask for your help in sharing guidance with your communities via social media or email distribution lists.   According to the New Jersey DEP, residents should:

• Report any dead birds using the DEP reporting link: Report Dead Birds, the Wildlife Hotline at 1-833-4NJ-BIRD (1-833-465-2473), and to their local municipality.  
• Avoid handling the birds directly; if handling is necessary, use gloves and avoid contact with pets.  
• Prevent other wildlife from feeding on the carcasses, as HPAI can spread through infected birds.  

Prompt reporting and proper removal are critical to minimizing risks to other birds, pets, and people. For additional information, residents can review the DEP guidance here: NJDEP – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and watch this informative video: DEP Avian Influenza Video.