Overview
- At least 50 Canada geese were found dead at Alcyon Lake in Pitman, leading to the closure of Alcyon Park and Betty Park.
- State fish and wildlife officials and the USDA are tracking the incidents as suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has collected specimens for testing with results expected in weeks.
- Reports of sick or dead geese have surfaced in Hainesport and Sicklerville as well as Monmouth and Somerset County parks, prompting local advisories to avoid handling wildlife.
- Authorities report no human cases and say the risk to the general public is low, urging people who work with birds or farm animals to take extra precautions and keep pets away from wild birds.
- New Jersey has documented bird flu detections across numerous counties since 2025, and Pennsylvania has moved to bolster farm protections as surveillance and public reporting continue.