Dead Geese Found In Sayreville, As Bird Flu Spreads In NJ

SAYREVILLE, NJ — Multiple dead Canadian geese were found in a park in Sayreville and the park is now closed off to the public, as the H5N1 bird flu virus spreads in New Jersey.

The dead geese were found Tuesday morning in Kennedy Park, said the Sayreville Office of Emergency Management.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the Parks Department has taped off the area near the boat ramp where the geese were located, pending an investigation," said the Sayreville OEM. "The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has also been notified."

Bird flu is spreading in New Jersey: Dead geese found in the borough of Allentown in Monmouth County Feb. 4 tested positive for avian flu. The dead geese were found floating in ponds in Dr. Farmer’s Park, Pete Sensi Park and in Heritage Park.

All the carcasses collected and tested by the NJ DEP tested positive for avian flu, and all three parks remain closed until further notice.

Dead snow geese and Canada geese, as well as other birds, have now been reported at more than 30 locations throughout the state, according to the DEP. So far, 11 dead birds have tested positive for bird flu.

The state of NJ is currently assuming most dead wild birds died of avian flu, although it is no longer testing all bird carcasses found.

"At this time, it is unlikely that every bird will be tested for avian influenza," said DEP spokesman Larry Hajna Wednesday. "In most cases, officials presume the virus is tied to bird die-offs based on previous preliminary positive test results. Evidence suggests that HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) is widespread in wild birds in New Jersey and is expected to be present even in areas where there has not been a confirmed positive."

Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is a respiratory influenza virus in birds. Wild birds are particularly vulnerable, however avian influenza can kill domestic poultry, such as backyard chickens.

There are no reported cases of human infection of H5N1 in New Jersey, the DEP said.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention also declared that the H5N1 outbreak is primarily an animal health issue, and poses a low risk to public health.

Dead Geese Found In Allentown Test Positive For Bird Flu: Officials (Tuesday)