Avian influenza is a highly contagious virus that affects both wild and domestic birds, as well as some mammal species. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is closely monitoring cases of the virus, and the public is urged to report any sick or dead birds to the appropriate authorities.

The cat was euthanized humanely, and another cat on the property was later found to have the bird flu, said health officials.

It is not unusual for cats to be infected with bird flu and develop severe illness. There have been no reports of transmission from cats to humans.

Officials in New Jersey are warning residents after H5N1 avian influenza was discovered in dead wild geese in Burlington and Monmouth counties.

TRENTON, NJ. - The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the first feline case of H5 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or "bird flu" in New Jersey.

The bird will now undergo confirmatory testing at a federal infectious disease surveillance laboratory, local health officials said.

The Highly Pathogenic avian influenza virus is a highly contagious disease that spreads among birds and other animals.

Allentown, NJ, closes parks due to bird flu outbreak in Canadian geese. Report any suspected bird flu cases to the NJDEP; do not touch wildlife or dead birds

As the medical community monitors the risk of avian influenza outbreaks to humans, health influencers are claiming that black seed oil -- an extract from a shrub that grows around the world -- can protect against and treat bird flu.