Goose Deaths Prompt Bird Flu Cautions In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Ocean County officials are urging residents to stay informed about the avian flu situation in New Jersey as clusters of sick and dead birds have been found across the state.

Reports of dead geese in Belmar and in Allentown in Monmouth County have prompted warnings from the Ocean County Health Department to be careful about potential exposure.

There have been seven confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Salem and Warren counties, with additional cases pending confirmation in nine counties.

While there have been no large clusters of dead birds in Ocean County in recent weeks, one hawk found in northern Ocean County is currently undergoing confirmatory testing for H5N1, the strain that has been spreading significantly, the health department said.

"Although there have been no confirmed cases of avian flu in Ocean County this year, we remain vigilant and are closely keeping a watchful eye on the situation," said Daniel Regenye, public health coordinator for the health department. "We are working with our state and local partners to track cases, inform the public, and ensure that necessary precautions are taken to minimize any potential risks."

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a public health advisory urging residents to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any unusual wildlife deaths to local authorities.

While there are no known human cases of bird flu in New Jersey, there is a risk of it spreading from birds to people; most human infections of bird flu happen through close contact with infected animals, the NJDEP said.

While the risk remains low, health officials recommend precautionary measures, particularly for those who work with birds or other animals, authorities said.

People who find sick or dead birds should not touch them or handle them, and unusual bird deaths or illnesses should be reported to local wildlife authorities or the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife at 877-927-6337.

People who own poultry should take extra measures to keep their domestic birds away from wild birds, and any sick poultry or unexplained poultry deaths should be reported to the state Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health. Call 609-671-6400 or fill out the online form.

The poultry industry in New Jersey is on high alert, implementing stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the virus. As of Friday, Feb. 14, there have been no reported cases of HPAI in New Jersey’s commercial poultry sector, Ocean County officials said.

"The Ocean County Health Department is committed to keeping our communities informed and prepared," said Jennifer Crawford, the health department's supervising field representative for disease control. "While there is currently no immediate threat to public health, we encourage residents to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and their poultry."

In Allentown, 25 to 30 Canada geese died, and in Belmar, more than 25 geese, along with other birds, were found dead along the Shark River and along South Riverside Drive in Shark River Hills, Tap Into reported.

Bird flu has been responsible for the killing of millions of egg-laying hens in the Midwest, which has in turn pushed egg prices to their highest levels across the country.

There had been 66 confirmed human cases of bird flu from 2024 through Jan. 6, 2025, with one death of a person in Louisiana, according to the Centers for Disease Control.