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NJ Issues Public Health Advisory After Surge in Dead Birds

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. c-health-advisory-after-surge-in-dead-birds.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 14:16 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

BARNEGAT, NJ - February 22nd, 2026 - The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a public health advisory following a surge in reports of sick and deceased birds across southern Ocean County and surrounding municipalities. The unusual number of incidents is prompting a thorough investigation into the potential cause, with avian influenza and other pathogens currently being considered.

Over the past week, the DEP's regional wildlife offices have been inundated with calls from concerned citizens reporting sightings of visibly ill birds, as well as confirmed mortalities. The affected species are diverse, spanning various waterfowl - ducks, geese, and swans - and shorebirds commonly found along the Jersey Shore. The geographical concentration of these reports in southern Ocean County is particularly concerning, suggesting a localized event, although the possibility of wider spread is not being discounted.

"We are taking this situation very seriously," stated DEP Commissioner Emily Carter in a press conference held earlier today. "The health of our wildlife is a key indicator of overall environmental health, and a sudden increase in bird mortality like this warrants immediate and comprehensive action. Our teams are working around the clock with federal partners, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, to identify the root cause and implement appropriate mitigation strategies."

The potential causes being investigated are multifaceted. While avian influenza - commonly known as bird flu - is high on the list of suspects, officials are also exploring other possibilities, including exposure to toxins, bacterial infections, or even an unusual bloom of harmful algae that could be impacting the birds' food supply. Diagnostic testing is currently underway on samples collected from deceased birds to pinpoint the specific pathogen, if any, responsible for the outbreak.

This event echoes similar incidents observed in other parts of the country in recent years, notably the devastating outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that impacted poultry farms and wild bird populations in 2022 and 2023. However, officials emphasize that, at this stage, there is no evidence to suggest a connection to those earlier outbreaks, and the current situation appears to be localized.

The DEP is urging residents to exercise caution and follow specific guidelines if they encounter a sick or dead bird. Crucially, the public is advised not to handle the birds directly. Direct contact could potentially facilitate the spread of disease, and it's vital to protect both human and animal health. Instead, citizens are asked to report sightings to the DEP's regional wildlife office, providing details about the location, number of birds observed, and any visible symptoms.

"Prompt reporting is critical," Commissioner Carter emphasized. "The more information we receive, the better we can track the spread of this illness and respond effectively. We need a clear picture of the scope and distribution of the problem."

Beyond reporting, residents are also advised to keep pets and children away from areas where sick or dead birds are found. Domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats, could potentially become infected if they come into contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. While the risk to humans is currently considered low, following these precautions is essential for preventative measures.

If handling a bird for disposal is unavoidable, the DEP recommends wearing gloves and thoroughly disinfecting hands with soap and water afterward. Proper disposal methods, in accordance with local regulations, should also be followed.

The DEP is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates to the public as more information becomes available. They are also coordinating with local municipalities to ensure a coordinated response and to disseminate information to residents. The long-term impact on bird populations, and the potential implications for the broader ecosystem, remain to be seen. Ongoing surveillance and research will be crucial in understanding and mitigating the effects of this concerning development.