Avian Influenza Claims Dozens of Birds at Shark River in Monmouth County
_recently, more than 30 bird carcasses were found along the banks of Shark River in Monmouth County, with avian influenza suspected as the cause of death. Local officials reported the incident on Friday.
Local Resident Notifies Authorities
Monique Berry-Franklin, a resident of Wall Township, reported seeing approximately 10 birds—seven swans, two snow geese, and one small duck—stretched along the sand. She also observed other birds swimming in the river, showing signs of illness with their necks drooping.
Berry-Franklin notified the county government and state environmental agencies about what she witnessed.
According to Berry-Franklin, officials confirmed that the birds might have died from the H5N1 strain of avian influenza.
Environmental Department’s Response
Larry Hajna, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, mentioned that while the birds may be tested for H5N1, it was too early to determine if this was indeed the cause.
Hajna detailed that Fish & Wildlife staff collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service to safely collect and dispose of the carcasses.
Understanding the Threat
Hajna强调 that wild birds, including waterfowl and shorebirds, naturally carry avian influenza. Despite this, he reassured the public that federal authorities consider the ongoing outbreak to be of low risk to human health.
Dead birds observed along Shark River in Monmouth County in February 2025.
Courtesy of Monique Berry-Franklin
Health Department Involvement
Berry-Franklin’s husband spotted public workers in protective gear collecting the bird remains nearby. Police reported the incident to the Freehold Area Health Department, which in turn escalated the reports to state and federal agencies.
Margaret Jahn, a Freehold health officer, stated that public works employees were dispatched in personal protective equipment to double-bag and dispose of the birds following established protocols.
Broader Context and Precautions
Since the beginning of the U.S. outbreak in January 2022, avian influenza has affected birds in all 50 states. Approximately 110 million chickens have either died or been culled to prevent the virus from spreading.
While the virus has reportedly infected over 100 wild birds in New Jersey recently, as of the latest update, no commercial or domestic poultry flocks in the state had shown signs of infection.
Residents are advised to avoid direct contact with wild birds, stay away from any bird that appears sick or dead, and ensure that poultry, eggs, and beef are cooked thoroughly before consumption.
Continuous Monitoring
State officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with Hajna confirming that they are keeping a watchful eye on developments and maintaining communication with relevant federal agencies.
As the situation evolves, residents are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect both themselves and local wildlife.
For more information on avian influenza and guidelines, visit the official NJ Department of Health H5N1 page.
AJ McDougall may be reached at amcdougall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X at @oldmcdougall.
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