Burlington Review

The Burlington County Health Department has reported the first case of H5N1 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in the county. The positive test came from a wild Canada goose found dead among other geese earlier this month in Pemberton. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection conducted the testing as part of its ongoing avian influenza monitoring efforts.

This marks the first confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Burlington County since the nationwide outbreak began in 2022. Similar clusters of sick and deceased wild birds have been identified in several other New Jersey counties, including Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Monmouth, Salem, and Warren.

Health officials emphasize that while this respiratory disease primarily affects animals, it poses a low risk to humans. Infection can occur through close or prolonged contact with infected animals; however, human-to-human transmission has not been observed.

Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella, Director of the Burlington County Health Department, stated: “Our Health Department was expecting H5N1’s eventual arrival and we had already started making preparations.” She reassured residents that "the risk to public health in Burlington County is still low but we want residents to be informed and vigilant."

Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell expressed commitment to public health protection: “Burlington County is committed to protecting public health and we are grateful to have such experienced and knowledgeable health and emergency management teams to lead our response to this avian influenza.”

Residents are advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds and report any findings. Poultry farmers should take special precautions with their flocks. Pet owners are encouraged to keep pets away from areas frequented by wild birds.

The Burlington County Health Department has launched an H5N1 Avian Influenza webpage providing information on the outbreak at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/2115/H5N1-Bird-Flu. Additional guidance is available on New Jersey's dedicated H5N1 page at https://www.nj.gov/H5N1/.