Officials suspect bird flu outbreak after more dead geese found in New Jersey

New numbers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) show dead and sick Canada geese are still being reported in large numbers all across the state. Testing is underway, but experts suspect avian flu is killing the birds.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Woodstown Police Department in Salem County reported receiving reports of dead geese at Woodstown Memorial Lake.

Now there are signs up in the park advising people not to touch any dead birds. Instead, report what you see to the state.

A man from Woodstown told NBC10 that he and his dog are keeping their daily walks in the neighborhood, however, avoiding nearby Memorial Lake for the time being.

Woodstown’s mayor, Joe Hiles, said he immediately called NJDEP, knowing Woodstown is not alone.

“There was a report of three dead carcasses floating on the lake and one potentially sick goose that was over by the bridge,” Hiles told NBC10.

NJDEP has been tracking reports of sick and dead birds statewide.

“This is a significant number of birds, waterfowl dying on the landscape in single locations. Beyond what we’ve seen in previous years,” DEP State Wildlife Pathologist Dr. Patrick Connelly said.

Last month, more than 1,000 birds were reported dead or sick in just a two-day span.

Over 1,000 geese have been reported dead or sick in the state of New Jersey since the weekend and officials say that they think bird flu might be the reason. NBC10 Jersey Shore Bureau reporter Ted Greenberg explains. 

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife has received preliminary nonnegative results from Canada geese tested across multiple counties associated with recent die-offs.

Nonnegative means the initial results are consistent with the detection of avian influenza but have not yet been confirmed as positive for the disease.

While avian flu, also known as Bird Flu, can infect humans, the state said the ongoing outbreak poses a low risk to the general public’s health.

Health officials still advise people and pets to limit contact with wild birds.

Dead geese in New Jersey are raising fears that bird flu is spreading. NBC10’s Shaira Arias has the story.