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PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
|Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. |
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“It is not unusual to find this mild strain of avian influenza in our live bird markets,” said Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. “Avian influenza thrives during the winter months, which is why we test during this period. Typically about 40 percent of
"The avian influenza subtype H7N2 currently detected in
Avian influenza are forms of Influenza A that infect birds. Influenza Type A is a virus that is found in a variety of different animals and in humans. Wild birds are the primary natural reservoir for subtypes of Influenza A viruses.
Avian influenza has two forms: a low pathogenic form that causes mild illness in birds and a highly pathogenic form that is extremely contagious and causes severe illness to birds. Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two surface proteins designated by the letters H and N.
The avian influenza that has been identified in
The Department of Agriculture has rules in place to keep markets from being infected, including a requirement that all birds coming into
The Department of Health and Senior Services reminds everyone to follow the routine recommendations for prevention of any foodborne illness, including thoroughly cooking meat, poultry and eggs; avoiding cross-contaminating one food with another; washing produce before consumption; and refrigerating leftovers promptly.
The Department of Health and Senior Services and the Department of Agriculture are working closely together to educate the public and address avian flu in
Department of Health
P. O. Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360