Shore bird deaths in Shark River
Update on dead swans, geese, and duck found on the shoreline in Shark River
The SRCC is continuing to evaluate the recent discovery of dead shore birds along the Shark River in Belmar from McClearie Park to 16th Ave., and in Shark River Hills along South Riverside Drive. Also, two dead waterfowl have been reported in Neptune City, one at Memorial Park and another at a private residence. A dead goose was also reported at the Shark River off of Belmar Blvd on Marconi Rd. in Wall where it dead ends at the Shark River.
We are in contact with the NJ DEP State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Town officials in Belmar, Neptune, and Neptune City have also been notified by the community and are taking actions.
Dr. Pat Connelly, State DEP Wildlife Veterinarian, is investigating the deaths and he advises avoiding contact with dead birds if at all possible. If you keep chickens or ducks in your backyard, they are very susceptible to the virus, as well as cats and dogs. He is hoping to see a lessening trend as the weather warms.
Below is guidance on what to do if you encounter any dead waterfowl:
What to do if you see a sick or dead bird:
Ideally, people should avoid any type of contact with dead birds, and call the DEP hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). You may also report the dead bird(s) to your local police department, who will follow up with the DEP. It is important to give the location of the bird(s). Check with your local municipality to determine guidance on who is responsible for collecting and reporting the dead waterfowl from the streets, parks, beaches, or bodies of water in your town. Please know that DEP, DPW and other agencies cannot remove dead birds from someone’s private property.
If you cannot contact the DEP Hotline (preferred) you could also call your local town officials. Please also leave a detailed message on the SRCC phone line - 732-988-7722, or send an email to sharkrivercleanup@hotmail.com so we can better track the locations and numbers of dead shore birds.
If you encounter a dead or sick bird and must move or remove it yourself, it’s important to handle the situation with caution. First and foremost, avoid direct contact with the bird to reduce the risk of transmission. Wear disposable gloves, safety glasses and a mask if you must handle the bird and use a tool like a shovel to move it. Use a heavy duty bag if you must dispose of it. Do not touch the bird with bare hands, as avian flu can spread through contact with bodily fluids. Ensure that pets are kept away from sick or dead birds. Once you’ve safely moved the bird, report the sighting to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1-877-927-6337.
In addition to reporting dead birds, make sure to follow basic safety precautions to minimize the risk of spreading avian flu. If you’ve been in an area where you suspect avian flu may be present, or if you have moved a bird from your property, disinfect your boots, gear, and any equipment you’ve used. Wash your hands thoroughly after any potential exposure. By staying informed and following these safety measures, you can help reduce the spread of the virus and protect both human and wildlife health.
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!
Additional resources on Avian Influenza "Bird Flu":
NJ.gov H5N1 Bird Flu main website: https://www.nj.gov/H5N1/
NJ Governor announcement from 17Jan2025: https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/25_00117/
NJ DEP: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza/
NJ Dept. of Agriculture: https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/ah/diseases/avian_influenza.html
USDA: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections
