Suspected bird flu investigated after dozens of geese found dead in South Jersey

PITMAN, N.J. (WPVI) -- There are growing concerns over a suspected bird flu outbreak across South Jersey.

Dozens of dead geese were found in and around Alcyon Lake in Gloucester County. Residents there reported unusual behavior among birds that typically populate the area.

About 50 to 75 dead geese were reported near the lake, the largest such cluster seen so far, according to county officials.

Reports of dead birds have also come in from other parts of the county.

Neighbors living near Alcyon Lake said they began noticing changes in the geese just days ago. The birds, usually described as loud and energetic, appeared lethargic and unwell.

"It was just a couple days ago you could see them floating... because the lake's right out back here," said Marisa Brusco of Pitman.

Kristin Harris, who recently moved to the area, said the situation has been startling.

"It's wild. It's interesting, especially just having moved here," she said.

Some residents said sick geese have wandered into their yards.

"The one's just lying there with his head flopped over. And it's moving a little bit," said Joie Shaw of Pitman.

Gloucester County officials were notified on Tuesday about the large number of sick and dying birds.

In response, Betty Park and Alcyon Park have been closed until further notice.

"It is presumed at this point that these birds could be infected with the avian flu virus, but that won't be determined until testing comes back conclusive on that," said Andrew Halter of the Gloucester County Office of Emergency Management.

OEM officials said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is testing several of the birds, with results expected to take days or weeks.

The issue extends beyond Pitman. Between Saturday and Monday, more than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds were reported statewide to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

RELATED | Traumatized Hainesport Twp. residents forced to dispose dead birds amid suspected outbreak

In Hainesport, Burlington County, residents are being told that cleanup and disposal of the dead birds will be their responsibility.

"Due to the overwhelming number of towns across the state having an issue with mass amounts of dead geese, NJ state agencies have informed us they will not be able to assist in any cleanup," township officials said in a Facebook post.

Neighbors were left stunned by the volume of dead birds they were encountering.

Chiquita Anderson, who lives in the Lakeside at Creekview community, said her son recently watched a bird fall from the sky in her backyard.

"A bird just could not catch flight," Anderson said.

She said the experience traumatized her son. "He just fell out of the sky and literally fell right there to his death."

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro has deployed additional resources to protect poultry producers amid a recent spike in bird flu cases.

County officials said the risk to the public remains low but urged residents to keep their distance from wildlife.

"Residents can protect themselves by avoiding contact with sick or dead birds or any other wildlife that presumes to be ill," said Gloucester County Health Officer Annmarie Ruiz.

Officials said the county health department received another report Wednesday morning involving about a dozen dead birds in Deptford, which is under investigation.

Residents are also advised to keep pets away from dead wildlife and droppings.

Anyone who finds a sick bird on their property can contact Gloucester County Animal Control or report it to the state Department of Environmental Protection.