What the state’s own agencies say, with sources. Not legal advice.
Avian flu rules for backyard flocks in New Jersey
New Jersey's Department of Agriculture asks every poultry keeper, backyard flocks included, to report sick birds or unexplained deaths to state and federal officials right away. For a small flock, the department says that can mean as little as one bird dying per day two days running. The Division of Animal Health takes calls at 609-671-6400, and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services has a New Jersey line at 609-259-5260. Biosecurity tips include dedicated footwear or footbaths before entering bird pens and avoiding other poultry farms and auctions.
Checked 2026-11-01 · nj.gov
Finding an avian vet in New Jersey
The New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association lists a Find a Veterinarian tool among its resources, and it also keeps a separate page of emergency veterinary facilities organized by county. Because waterfowl are an uncommon patient, call a clinic ahead and ask whether it sees ducks before booking. The directory is a starting point only, and these pages do not say which listed practices treat birds.
Checked 2026-11-01 · njvma.org
State contacts
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture's Division of Animal Health is led by Dr. Amar Patil, who serves as Division Director and State Veterinarian. The division's listed phone number is 609-671-6400 and the listed email is [email protected]. The same division acts as the state's official agency for the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), and the department says New Jersey is classified as a Pullorum Typhoid clean state. Most backyard flocks, including waterfowl, fall under the NPIP category in 9 CFR part 145 Subpart E.
Checked 2026-11-01 · nj.gov, nj.gov
