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 cats had no known exposure to infected poultry, livestock, raw milk, or raw meat, but they roamed freely outdoors, where they may have been exposed to wild birds or other animals.

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.

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.

While the company has conditional approval, the USDA will still have to approve its larger use before farmers can give it to their flocks, according to Science Magazine. The report added that if bird flu becomes more widespread, vaccinating chickens against bird flu could become the norm.