(Gloucester Township, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services is currently monitoring the spread of bird flu throughout New Jersey. Currently, no birds in Camden County have tested positive for bird flu and the risk to the public remains low.
Between February 14 and February 16, 2026, more than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds were reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Most reports involved Canadian geese, with a smaller number involving other species. Within this timeframe, Gloucester Township reported approximately 10–20 dead geese.
At this time, NJDEP is unlikely to conduct additional avian flu testing in areas where the virus has already been detected. In March 2025, levels of avian influenza were detected in our local wastewater.
The current public health risk to residents remains low, but state and local agencies continue to monitor the situation closely. To date, no human or domestic animal cases of H5N1 have been reported in Camden County.
“We are working closely with the NJDEP to ensure that deceased birds are being reported to the state, and disposed of properly,” Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services said. “At this time, there have been no human or domestic animal cases of bird flu in Camden County, but we will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.”
Bird flu, also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or H5N1, is a strain of influenza that primarily affects birds but can also infect humans and other animals including domestic animals, farmed animals, livestock, and zoo animals. This virus has the potential to cause severe illness in humans, and it has been responsible for past outbreaks in both birds and humans. While human-to-human transmission is rare, it can occur with close, prolonged contact with an infected person.
To lower the risk of contracting bird flu, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:
- Avoid Contact with Sick or Dead Birds
Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings and do not bring wild animals into your home. - Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after potential exposure to birds or their droppings. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer. - Cook Poultry Thoroughly
Ensure chicken, turkey, and eggs are cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) to kill any potential viruses. - Keep Pets Away from Wild Birds
Prevent pets, particularly dogs and cats, from coming into contact with wild birds, as they could be exposed to the virus. - Monitor for Symptoms
If you experience flu-like symptoms and have had close contact with birds, seek medical advice promptly.
Bird flu primarily spreads through contact with infected birds or their droppings, secretions, or contaminated environments but it can also spread through handling raw poultry or eggs. The likelihood of getting bird flu is low for the general public, especially if you do not have close contact with infected poultry. The risk is higher for people in areas with large poultry populations or those who work in the poultry industry.
“We strongly advise that you avoid handling sick or dead animals without wearing proper personal protective equipment,” Fleisher continued. “Interactions with animals in this way is a major way that this virus can spread so please, if you must handle an animal, make sure you are wearing PPE, avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose after contact and wash your hands immediately with soap and water.”
Symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of seasonal flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue/muscle aches, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and/or difficulty breathing. If you have symptoms of bird flu, especially after close contact with sick or dead birds, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve recovery chances.
To report sick or dead wild birds, please use the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form.
Avoid handling: Do not try to touch, handle, or dispose of the birds yourself to reduce the risk of contamination or disease transmission.
For more information on H5N1 please use the CDC and NJDOH: www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html, and www.nj.gov/H5N1/