Hundreds of wild bird deaths across seven New Jersey counties have raised concerns about bird flu, prompting health officials to advise residents to avoid contact with dead birds.
In recent days, New Jersey has reported a troubling surge in wild bird deaths, with health experts suspecting bird flu as the cause. Between February 14 and February 16, over 1,100 dead or sick wild birds, predominantly Canada geese, were documented across seven counties, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
While tests are still pending, officials believe that the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, is likely responsible for the fatalities. This respiratory disease in birds is caused by influenza A viruses.
“I find the images of the dead and dying birds very troubling, unsettling, and a reminder that avian flu continues to be present,” said Dr. David J. Cennimo, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics and an infectious diseases specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “It is important to note that at the time of this writing, the cause of death has not been announced, and bird flu is only strongly suspected, but the picture is consistent with avian influenza, and there is a good reason for the high-level suspicion.”
In response to the situation, some local parks have temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. Notable closures include Betty Park and Alcyon Park in Gloucester County. The Borough of Pittman has advised residents via social media to avoid approaching any geese in the area.
Common symptoms of HPAI in birds include diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and lack of coordination. However, some birds may succumb to the virus without showing any visible signs of illness. While geese have accounted for the majority of the reported deaths in New Jersey, avian influenza also poses a significant risk to domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
“We have seen cases of avian influenza in other animals, most notably dairy cows and cats,” Dr. Cennimo noted. “If possible, domestic animals should be kept away from sick birds.”
Although the risk to the public remains low, health officials strongly recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds or any animals that may be infected. The DEP emphasized the importance of public awareness and precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of bird flu on both agriculture and public health.
Dr. Cennimo explained that avian influenza viruses continue to circulate within wild bird populations, and transmission can be exacerbated by the close congregation of birds, particularly during freezing temperatures when water availability is limited.
“The risk to humans remains low at this time,” he confirmed. “If the birds did die of influenza, they could still harbor live virus and potentially infect humans. For this reason, people should avoid handling sick or dead birds, use protective measures like gloves, and wash their hands thoroughly afterward.”
Dr. Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, an associate professor of pathobiological sciences at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted that mass bird deaths are indicative of ongoing transmission of bird flu. “It’s sad from an ecological perspective, but also poses a risk to any nearby agricultural facilities, as we’ve seen spillover into poultry and dairy cattle in the last couple of years,” she stated. “The more transmission, the greater the chance for it to spread to humans.”
Last year, there were reported human deaths linked to bird flu, primarily associated with direct contact with infected animals. Dr. Christofferson emphasized the importance of surveillance in preventing uncontrolled spread, noting that understanding the patterns of the virus can help mitigate ongoing risks to both animal and human populations.
As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of dead or sick birds.
For further information, refer to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.