02/20/2026
The Burlington County Health Department is reminding residents to be aware of the potential spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, following the discovery of large numbers of dead geese in Hainesport and other South Jersey locations this week.
The Health Department has not been notified of any positive tests confirming the birds died from bird flu, however, officials are treating it as a likely bird flu case.
Residents are encouraged to review avian flu information and guidance on the County Health Department website and follow all recommended precautions. The webpage is at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2115/H5N1-Bird-Flu . Information is also posted in County parks.
Among the recommended precautions:
• Avoid contact with wild birds;
• Avoid unprotected contact with wild or domestic birds;
• Report cases of dead or sick wild birds to the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection at 877-927-6337;
• Report cases of dead or sick domestic birds or livestock to the NJ Dept. of Agriculture at 609-671-6400 or [email protected] .
• Pet owners should keep dogs and cats away from areas of high concentrations of geese or geese waste;
• Pet owners who notice signs of illness in their pet bird, cat, dog or any other domesticated animal should immediately contact their family veterinarian to safely examine your pet and test for bird flu if needed.
Additional guidance is available on the New Jersey H5N1 page at https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/livestockhealth/h5n1.shtml .
