Bird flu outbreak in New Jersey forces closure of park

 

Photo credit:  Visit South Jersey

Headline:  Philadelphia Inquirer, 2/19/2026\

Frank Kummer reports:

At least 1,100 dead or sick birds, mostly Canada geese, have been reported across New Jersey in an outbreak that started on Valentine’s Day, according to state officials. 

At least 50 geese have died at Alcyon Lake in Pitman, Gloucester County. Officials have closed the lake and the adjoining Betty Park out of precaution. 

The fish and wildlife division within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are tracking them as suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), or bird flu.

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