{"id":604020,"date":"2026-02-20T18:39:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:39:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/604020\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T18:39:11","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T18:39:11","slug":"are-there-dead-geese-in-your-neighborhood-where-mass-casualties-have-been-be-reported-in-n-j-and-what-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/604020\/","title":{"rendered":"Are there dead geese in your neighborhood? Where mass casualties have been be reported in N.J. and what to do."},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection\u2019s Division of Fish and Wildlife is monitoring an outbreak of bird flu throughout the state that\u2019s causing disturbing mass deaths in wild birds.<\/p>\n

More than 1,100 sick or dead wild birds<\/a> were reported last weekend, most of them Canada geese, according to state officials. <\/p>\n

Although testing is still underway, officials said it\u2019s highly likely the wild bird mortality is caused by bird flu. The H5N1 strain of bird flu is currently widespread in wild birds worldwide, and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with sporadic human cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.<\/p>\n

While the risk of bird flu to humans remains low, \u201cit\u2019s still possible,\u201d said Dr. David J. Cennimo, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople should not go out handling these birds,\u201d said Cennimo, adding that residents should also leash their dogs and closely watch children when outdoors. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

If the map above is not showing, you can see it here.<\/a> <\/p>\n

Typical signs of bird flu include diarrhea, discharge from the nose, coughing, sneezing, and a lack of coordination, but most wild birds don\u2019t show any signs or symptoms until death.<\/p>\n

Residents are urged to report sick or dead birds through the new wild bird disease reporting form<\/a> or by calling the state DEP hotline at 877-927-6337. All reports are reviewed by agency staff.<\/p>\n

Amid the outbreak, numerous county park systems have posted warnings or closed public grounds entirely to minimize the risk of transmission. <\/p>\n

On Tuesday, town officials in Pitman announced the closure of two local parks \u2014 Betty Park and Alcyon Park \u2014 until further notice following reports of dead geese. <\/p>\n

The same day, Monmouth County Park System posted a warning on Facebook urging visitors not to touch dead or sick birds.<\/p>\n

\u201cPark Rangers have observed dead and infirm Canada Geese in some of our parks this week. Avian flu is suspected,\u201d according to the post<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The Somerset County Park Commission on Thursday announced it is temporarily closing the trails at the Environmental Education Center in Basking Ridge and portions of Duke Island Park in Bridgewater because of local avian deaths. <\/p>\n

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife is coordinating with local officials to dispose of bird carcasses whenever feasible, a spokeswoman said.<\/p>\n

However, due to the sheer number of towns reporting dead geese, state officials won\u2019t be able to help everyone with cleanup.<\/p>\n

In a Facebook post, Hainesport Township officials told residents that \u201cthe recommendation from all agencies is for homeowners to use protective gear…and safely remove dead birds on their property.\u201d<\/p>\n

Should property owners elect to remove carcasses themselves, precautions should be taken: <\/p>\n