More than 4,000 dead or sick birds, mostly Canada geese, have been reported across New Jersey in recent weeks as wildlife officials investigate a suspected outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza spreading through waterfowl. after Dead Geese Found Across New Jersey, concerns were raised among residents and authorities.
State wildlife officials say the die-off escalated quickly in February, alarming residents and prompting park closures and public safety warnings in several communities.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says 4,370 sick or dead birds have been reported statewide, with Canada geese accounting for nearly all cases. Some media reports say the number of affected birds may be higher, with nearly 7,500 reports filed during February alone.
Officials Link Mass Bird Deaths To Suspected Avian Influenza
Wildlife officials say highly pathogenic avian influenza — commonly called bird flu — is the leading suspected cause of the deaths. The virus spreads rapidly among waterfowl and has been detected in several parts of the state.
Reports of sick or dead geese surged over three days in mid-February, when more than 1,100 birds were reported statewide.
One of the earliest warning signs came from Gloucester County, where between 50 and 75 dead geese were discovered near Alcyon Lake. Residents reported seeing birds appear weak or disoriented before dying.
“One goose was just lying there with its head flopped over,” a nearby resident told local media, describing the unusual behavior before the birds died.
Officials say not every bird has tested positive for the virus, and some deaths remain under investigation.
Communities Close Parks And Warn Residents To Avoid Wildlife
Local governments are taking precautions as wildlife authorities continue testing birds.
In Gloucester County, officials temporarily closed Betty Park and Alcyon Park after dead geese were discovered nearby. Authorities restricted access while crews investigated and removed the birds.
The concern has since spread to other areas of South Jersey. Woodstown police recently warned residents about dead geese found near Woodstown Memorial Lake in Salem County.
“While the risk is low, we advise members of the public to limit contact with dead wildlife and to keep children and pets away,” Woodstown police said in a public advisory.
Authorities are urging residents not to approach sick or dead birds and to report sightings to state wildlife officials. Dead Geese Found Across New Jersey.
Health Officials Say Risk To Humans Remains Low
Public health officials say the risk of bird flu spreading to humans remains low, though they continue monitoring the situation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 71 human cases of A(H5) bird flu in the United States since February 2024, including two deaths. Health experts say there is still no confirmed human-to-human transmission.
Environmental factors may also be contributing to the outbreak. Wildlife experts say winter weather may have forced migrating birds into smaller areas as lakes and ponds freeze.
That crowding can increase the chances of disease spreading quickly through flocks gathered in limited open water.
Confirmed bird flu cases have also been reported in Hainesport in Burlington County, raising concerns that the virus may be circulating across multiple regions of the state.
Officials say residents should avoid handling birds and ensure pets stay away from wildlife until the investigation is complete.
State wildlife authorities continue testing samples to confirm the cause of the deaths and track the spread of the virus linked to the reports of Dead Geese Found Across New Jersey.
