Hundreds of wild bird deaths reported across seven counties, prompting park closures

More than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds - almost all of them Canadian geese - were reported between Feb. 14 and Feb. 16 across seven counties, according to New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

"It is important to note that 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."

Some local parks have temporarily closed out of an "abundance of caution," including Betty Park and Alcyon Park in Gloucester County.

"Residents are asked not to approach any geese in or around the area," the Borough of Pittman advised in a social media post.

While geese have made up the majority of the New Jersey fatalities, avian influenza also poses a risk to chickens, turkeys and ducks.

Although the risk to the public is low, health officials recommend avoiding direct contact with wild birds or animals that could be infected.

"Public awareness and precautionary measures are essential to mitigate the impact of bird flu on both agriculture and public health," the DEP stated.

"The risk to humans remains low at this time," the expert confirmed. "If the birds did die of influenza, they could still have live virus and could infect humans. For this reason, people should avoid handling sick or dead birds, use protective measures like gloves and wash their hands."

Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, PhD, associate professor of pathobiological sciences at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, noted that mass bird deaths are a symptom of ongoing transmission of bird flu.

"Surveillance is key to preventing uncontrolled spread, and understanding the patterns of where the virus is - and is going - can help mitigate the ongoing risk to our animal and human populations."