NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The first case of bird flu in Burlington County has been reported.
According to Burlington County’s Health Department, a wild Canada goose found dead with other wild geese earlier this month in Pemberton tested positive this week.
Burlington County Health Department Director Dr. Holly Funkhouser Cucuzzella says the risk to public health in Burlington County is still low, but they want residents to be informed and vigilant.
“Residents should avoid all contact with dead or sick birds and those keeping poultry flocks should take special precautions. We are also asking residents to report deaths of wild or domestic birds, especially large groups of them.”
Many pet owners in the area are on edge.
Funkhouser Cucuzzella says cats “can be a little more impacted by the disease" than dogs. She says avoid giving pets raw or unpasteurized milk and uncooked meats.
“Try to keep them away from sick birds that they might encounter if they are an outdoor cat as well. So if they do those things and keep an eye on their cat’s health, we know that those precautions could keep those pets safe.”
If your pet is showing signs of a fever, breathing problems, or tremors, contact your veterinarian immediately. For more information on bird flu and how to report it, visit co.burlington.nj.us.