Multiple wild birds in New Jersey have died, with bird flu suspected as the cause. The New Jersey Fish and Wildlife has reported at least seven snow geese, two Canada geese, and two hawks testing presumptive positive for avian influenza. While the risk to humans remains low, authorities urge hunters and the public to take precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Bird flu is suspected to have caused the death of multiple wild birds recovered across New Jersey last week, according to the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. At least seven snow geese, two Canada geese, and two hawks have yielded presumptive positive results for avian influenza, according to an alert sent to hunters last Wednesday by New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, part of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
While it's not yet confirmed that bird flu caused these deaths, the alert stated, “it is expected to be the cause of death for these animals.”\While these cases may be concerning, the risk to humans remains low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. As of Monday, there have been no reported cases of H5N1 bird flu in humans in New Jersey. Similar events and preliminary positive cases have been reported in Delaware and Pennsylvania, according to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. Though human transmission is rare, improper handling could lead to further spread of the disease. The bird flu spreads through contact with bodily secretions from infected birds, including feces, ocular, nasal, or oral secretions. It can also spread via vehicles, equipment, and shoes.\New Jersey Fish and Wildlife urges waterfowl and gamebird hunters to take precautions while handling and dressing birds. Hunters should thoroughly cook all game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming or feeding to pets. Falconers should also avoid hunting waterfowl and other waterbirds until the active outbreak dies down. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service advises the public to report any sick or dead wild birds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP or 1-877-927-6337
BIRD FLU AVIAN INFLUENZA WILD BIRDS NEW JERSEY DISEASE PREVENTION
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