Avian Flu Discovered At Popcorn Park Refuge In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — Staff at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge confirmed that two birds at the zoo tested positive for avian flu late last week.

A deceased duck and goose were discovered by the refuge's staff and were sent for testing where they were found positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI or avian flu), staff wrote on social media Monday.

As a result, the refuge will be closed from Oct. 24 through Oct. 28 "to fully sanitize and manage the situation for future exposure," staff said.

The status of the refuge's other birds was not immediately clear.

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) confirmed Friday that an avian flu case had been discovered in a non-poultry backyard flock in Ocean County.

Some of those birds died while others displayed neurologic signs before dying, the NJDA said.

HPAI is highly contagious and often fatal in domestic poultry, but according to the CDC, recent outbreaks do not present an immediate public health concern.

Per the NJDA, signs of avian flu in poultry can include:

• Sudden death
• Decrease in feed or water consumption
• Respiratory signs such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge
• Swelling around the eyes
• Open-mouth breathing
• Darkening of the comb/wattles
• Reddening of the shanks or feet
• Decreased egg production
• Lethargy

"HPAI spreads through contact with bodily secretions, including feces, ocular, nasal, or oral secretions from infected birds," the NJDA said. "The virus can spread on vehicles, equipment, shoes, etc."

Practicing good biosecurity can help prevent the spread of the virus, the NJDA said, which includes:

• Eliminating exposure of domestic birds to wild birds. Minimizing standing water and extra feed in the environment that might attract wild birds.
• Avoiding contact with other poultry.
• Keeping a specific set of shoes and clothing for tending to poultry. Disposable boot covers or a foot bath that is changed regularly are other measures that can be used.
• Minimizing the number of people who visit the birds.
• Avoiding sharing equipment with other flocks and using appropriate disinfectants for equipment that must come onto a farm.

Deceased birds suspected of having avian flu should be double-bagged and stored appropriately for testing. Do not expose dead poultry to the environment, other poultry, or wildlife/wild birds. Wash your hands after handling sick or dead birds.