The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring reports of bird flu across New Jersey. As of now, no birds in Camden County have tested positive for the virus, and officials state that the risk to the public remains low.
Between February 14 and February 16, more than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds were reported to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), with most cases involving Canadian geese. Gloucester Township reported about 10–20 dead geese during this period. NJDEP has indicated it will likely not conduct further avian flu testing in areas where the virus has already been detected. Avian influenza was previously found in local wastewater in March 2025.
No human or domestic animal cases of H5N1 have been reported in Camden County at this time. State and local agencies continue to monitor developments closely.
“We are working closely with the NJDEP to ensure that deceased birds are being reported to the state, and disposed of properly,” said Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “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, mainly affects birds but can infect humans and other animals such as domestic pets, livestock, farmed animals, and zoo animals. The virus can cause severe illness in humans though transmission from person to person is rare except with close contact.
The Department recommends avoiding contact with sick or dead birds and their droppings; practicing good hygiene by washing hands thoroughly after potential exposure; cooking poultry products fully; keeping pets away from wild birds; and seeking medical advice if experiencing flu-like symptoms after bird exposure.
“ 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 in humans resemble seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or muscle aches, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or difficulty breathing. Medical attention should be sought immediately if these symptoms occur following contact with affected birds.
Residents are encouraged not to touch or dispose of dead wild birds themselves but instead report them using the NJDEP Fish and Wildlife Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form.
Camden County provides services for over 500,000 residents across its 37 municipalities through programs focused on health support among other areas such as education and public safety (official website). The county operates under a seven-member Board of Commissioners who oversee initiatives aimed at improving community welfare (official website).
More information about H5N1 is available from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html) and NJDOH (www.nj.gov/H5N1/).
