More than 1,100 dead or sick wild birds were reported across New Jersey over a three-day period last weekend, raising renewed concerns about the spread of bird flu and its impact on wildlife.

The reports were submitted to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection between Saturday, Feb. 14, and Monday, Feb. 16. Officials said the vast majority of cases involved Canada geese, with a smaller number of other species, including brant along the coast.

The NJDEP’s New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is coordinating with local officials to safely collect and dispose of bird carcasses at designated landfills throughout the state.

State officials said testing for avian influenza is generally conducted only when the virus has not previously been detected in a county or when special circumstances exist, such as deaths near poultry facilities. Earlier this month, testing on brant returned negative results, suggesting that some recent deaths may be linked to freezing temperatures and limited food supplies.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, known as H5N1, continues to circulate nationwide, affecting both wild and domestic birds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cattle and has been linked to two human deaths in the United States since 2024. Federal officials say the current risk to the general public remains low.

New Jersey has experienced a resurgence of bird deaths linked to avian influenza since November, with officials believing the virus is now affecting wild birds in all counties. Species impacted include waterfowl, birds of prey, and scavenger birds.

To improve monitoring efforts, the NJDEP has launched a new Wild Bird Disease Reporting Form. Residents are encouraged to report sightings of sick or dead birds, especially when five or more are found in one area, as officials continue to track the spread of the virus and assess potential risks.