25 Dead Geese Found In Monmouth Co., DEP Investigating For Bird Flu

BELMAR, NJ — There have now been two incidents of a mass of dead birds found in Monmouth County, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said they are investigating if avian flu was the cause.

More than 25 dead geese were found Thursday and Friday in Belmar, Tap Into reports. The birds, along with ducks and swans, were found floating in the Shark River in Belmar, and along South Riverside Drive in Shark River Hills.

This comes after 25 to 30 dead geese were found in several parks in Allentown last week: Pete Sensi Park, Dr. Farmer’s Park and Heritage Park were all closed last week after dead geese were found there, the Freehold Patch previously reported.

An NJ DEP spokesman said the agency was notified, and said scientists are working to see if the birds died from H5N1 (avian influenza), the bird flu spreading rapidly through the U.S.

So far, neither Monmouth County instance has been confirmed to be caused by bird flu.

"Multiple state and federal agencies have been tracking an outbreak of wild birth deaths in various parts of the state attributable to H5N1 (avian influenza) since late December," said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna. "NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife is responding to each report on a case-by-case basis."

If you encounter sick or dead wild birds report the finding to the DEP hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337).

The bird flu outbreak started in the U.S. in January 2022 and has impacted wild and domestic birds in every state. Wild birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds, are considered most at risk for avian influenza.

Last week: Dead Geese Prompt Park Closures In Allentown Amid Bird Flu Outbreak (Feb. 10)