Images of dead geese floating in waters across New Jersey have prompted concern among residents, but wildlife and infectious disease experts emphasize that the risk to humans remains low. More than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds, primarily Canada geese, were reported to the state Department of Environmental Protection between and .
While tests are still pending, wildlife pathologist Patrick Connelly, who works with the state Department of Environmental Protection, suspects avian influenza – commonly known as bird flu – is the cause of these large-scale deaths. “With migratory waterfowl coming into the state this time of year and large congregations of flocks, we have many susceptible hosts in close quarters and this disease can spread rapidly and kill these animals quickly,” Connelly explained.
The recent cold snap across New Jersey is also believed to be a contributing factor. Freezing temperatures have limited open bodies of water, causing birds to congregate in smaller areas, increasing close contact and the potential for disease transmission. “I do suspect that the recent weather has had an effect here, with the primary effect being that it is causing birds to congregate in limited open water sources, so we have large numbers of waterfowl in close contact,” Connelly stated.
Reports of dead Canada geese have come from several counties, including Monmouth (Holmdel, Manalapan, and Matawan), Somerset (Basking Ridge), Burlington (Hainesport), Middlesex (Edison), and Camden (Sicklerville). Earlier this month, tests on brant geese were negative for bird flu, suggesting their deaths may have been due to freezing temperatures, and starvation.
Understanding Avian Influenza and the Current Situation
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the current U.S. Outbreak has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state since . While the current outbreak primarily affects birds, the virus can, in rare cases, infect mammals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected the virus in over 200 mammals, including foxes, bears, cats, dogs, and even cows. Human infections are extremely rare, but possible through exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments. As of , the CDC has reported 71 total human cases of bird flu and two deaths since .
Despite the concerning number of bird deaths, health officials maintain that the public health risk remains low. However, the CDC is closely monitoring the situation. “I find the images of the dead and dying birds very troubling, unsettling, and a reminder that avian flu continues to be present,” said David J. Cennimo, MD, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics and an infectious diseases specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “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.”
What Consider Do
Residents are advised to take precautions to minimize potential exposure. The CDC recommends keeping children and pets away from wild birds and bird feces. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has created a wild bird disease reporting form for residents to report sightings of sick or dead birds, particularly groups of five or more. Photos are encouraged to aid in assessment.
State officials are working with local municipalities to remove dead birds when possible. For those who find a dead bird on their property, the state’s Division of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following precautions:
- Wear personal protective equipment, including gloves, a mask, and safety glasses or a face shield.
- Avoid direct contact with the bird by using a tool such as a shovel or tongs.
- Double-bag the bird, secure the bag with a zip-tie, and place it in a secure trash bin inaccessible to pets or other wildlife.
While the scale of these deaths is concerning, experts note that bird flu is more common in winter due to bird behavior and environmental factors. The combination of migratory patterns bringing large flocks together and the increased stability of the virus in cold temperatures creates conditions conducive to rapid spread. The situation is being closely monitored, and public health officials continue to emphasize the low risk to humans while urging caution and responsible reporting.
