A surge in wild bird deaths in New Jersey has wildlife and health officials watching closely for an avian influenza outbreak. More than 1,100 birds were reported dead or ill from February 14 to 16 across seven counties, almost all Canadian geese, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Although tests are still pending, officials say the deaths were likely caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, a respiratory disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses.

"I find the images of the dead and dying birds very troubling, unsettling, and a reminder that avian flu continues to be present," David J. Cennimo, MD, associate professor of medicine and pediatrics and an infectious diseases specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told Fox News Digital.

"It is important to note that at the time of this writing, the cause of death has not been announced, and bird flu is only strongly suspected, but the picture is consistent with avian influenza, and there is a good reason for the high-level suspicion."

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Some local parks have temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution, including Betty Park and Alcyon Park in Gloucester County.

"Residents are asked not to approach any geese in or around the area," the Borough of Pittman advised in a social media post.

"Common symptoms of HPAI among birds include diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, discharge from the nose and lack of coordination, according to DEP." Some birds, however, may die from the virus even if they never appear to be sick.

Although geese account for the bulk of the fatalities, the virus also threatens chickens, turkeys, and ducks, keeping farmers and backyard keepers alert to risk across the state.

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"We have seen cases of avian influenza in other animals, most notably dairy cows and cats," Cennimo said. "If possible, domestic animals should be kept away from sick birds."

"The risk to humans remains low at this time," the expert confirmed. "If the birds did die of influenza, they could still have live virus and could infect humans."

"For this reason, people should avoid handling sick or dead birds, use protective measures like gloves and wash their hands."

"It's sad from an ecological perspective, but also poses a risk to any nearby agricultural facilities, as we've seen spillover into poultry and dairy cattle in the last couple of years," she told Fox News Digital. "The more transmission, the more the chance for there to be transmission to humans."

"Surveillance is key to preventing uncontrolled spread, and understanding the patterns of where the virus is — and is going — can help mitigate the ongoing risk to our animal and human populations."

"Last year, there were some human deaths due to bird flu, primarily linked to contact with infected animals, Christofferson noted."

In practical terms, residents should respect wildlife guidelines and approach these events with prudent restraint, relying on surveillance and reasonable safeguards to protect both wildlife and public health.

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