Bird Flu Suspected In Multiple Locations In Gloucester Co.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY, NJ — Sick or dead geese with presumed bird flu have been discovered at multiple locations in Gloucester County, officials said.

More than 50 dead geese were seen in and around Alcyon Lake in Pitman. Two adjoining parks were closed Tuesday as officials investigated the matter. Read more: Parks Closed After Dead Geese Emerge Around Lake In South Jersey

More than 1,100 sick or dead wild birds have been reported throughout New Jersey over the past three days. Almost all are Canada geese. Read more: 1,100 Dead Or Sick Wild Birds Reported Across NJ Over 3 Days

Similar cases are under investigation in other Gloucester County locations, according to the county health department.

"These presumed cases indicate that the virus is actively circulating in wildlife or domesticated birds, leading to increased monitoring and preventive actions to control the spread," the Gloucester County Department of Health said in an advisory.

No locations besides Alcyon Lake have been specified. Patch contacted county officials with questions and will update as more information becomes available.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — a particularly potent bird flu strain known as H5N1 — has been at the center of an outbreak that federal officials have monitored since early 2022.

Bird flu poses little risk in humans. But people who work with birds, including poultry, or cows have a higher risk of exposure.

Symptoms in humans may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and, in severe cases, respiratory distress.

County health officials also urge people to avoid direct contact with wild birds:

• Do not touch sick or dead animals.
• Don't bring sick wild animals into your home.
• Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces.
• Do not eat uncooked or undercooked eggs, poultry or beef.
• Cook poultry, eggs and other animal products to the proper temperature.
• Prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked food.
• Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses.
• If you have a bird feeder, keep it in an area of your yard that you don't frequent to prevent stepping in bird droppings and tracking them into your home.
• Don't feed your cat or dog a raw diet.