Hundreds of geese have died in New Jersey. bird flu He is suspected of being the culprit.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), more than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds, most of them Canada geese, were reported in seven counties between Feb. 14 and Feb. 16.
Although tests have not yet been conducted, officials say the deaths were likely caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), an infection more commonly known as avian influenza. respiratory disease Infection of birds caused by influenza A virus.
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“Images of dead and dying birds are a very alarming and disturbing reminder that avian influenza is still here,” said David J. Cennimo, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine and pediatrics. infectious disease A specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School told Fox News Digital.
“It is important to note that at the time of this writing, no cause of death has been announced and avian influenza is only strongly suspected; however, the circumstances are consistent with avian influenza and there is good reason for a high degree of suspicion.”
Some local parks, including Betty Park and Alcyon Park in Gloucester County, were temporarily closed in an “extreme amount of caution.”
“Residents are asked to stay away from geese in and around the area,” the Borough of Pittman advised in a social media post.
Common symptoms of HPAI among the birds These include diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and loss of coordination, according to the DEP. However, some birds can die from the virus even if they don’t appear to be sick.
Although geese account for the majority of deaths in New Jersey, avian influenza also poses a risk to chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
“We have seen cases like this. bird flu “Other animals, most notably dairy cows and cats, should be kept away from sick birds if possible,” Cennimo said.
Although the risk to the public is low, health authorities recommend avoiding direct contact with potentially infected wild birds and animals.
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“Public awareness and preventive measures are essential to reduce the impact of avian influenza on both agriculture and public health,” the DEP said.
avian influenza virus The infection continues to spread within wild bird populations, Cennimo said, and crowding of birds can amplify transmission. This can occur during periods of subzero temperatures when available water is limited.
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“The risk to humans remains low at this time,” the expert acknowledged. “Even if a bird dies from influenza, it may still have live virus and can infect humans. For this reason, people should avoid touching sick or dead birds, use protective measures such as gloves, and wash their hands.”
Dr. Rebecca Carriere Christofferson, associate professor of pathobiology at LSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, noted that mass bird mortality is a symptom of an ongoing avian influenza epidemic.
“It’s sad from an ecological point of view, but it also poses a risk to people nearby.” agricultural facilities“As we’ve seen in recent years with spillovers to poultry and dairy cattle,” she told Fox News Digital, “the more infections we have, the more likely it is to spread to humans.”
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Last year, there were several deaths due to avian influenza, mainly related to contact with birds. infected animalChristopherson pointed out.
“Surveillance is key to preventing uncontrolled spread, and understanding the patterns of where the virus is and where it is going will help reduce the ongoing risk to animal and human populations.”
