Traumatized Hainesport Twp. residents forced to dispose dead birds amid suspected outbreak

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Traumatized Hainesport Twp. residents forced to dispose dead birds amid suspected outbreak

HAINESPORT, N.J. (WPVI) — Growing concerns over a suspected bird flu outbreak in South Jersey are extending into Burlington County after more dead geese and ducks were found in a residential neighborhood.

Officials in neighboring Gloucester County have said the risk to the public remains low, but they are urging people to keep their distance from sick or dead birds.

However, in Hainesport, Burlington County, residents are being told that the cleanup and disposal will be their responsibility, leaving neighbors stunned by the volume of dead birds they are encountering.

Chiquita Anderson, who lives in the Lakeside at Creekview community, said her son recently watched a bird fall from the sky in her backyard.

“A bird just could not catch flight,” Anderson said.

She said the experience traumatized her son. “He just fell out of the sky and literally fell right there to his death.”

Officials are investigating a suspected outbreak of bird flu after a large number of dead or dying geese were discovered at parks in Gloucester Co.

Residents say the lake behind her home is filled with geese, some still living, but many are dying or dead. Many birds have also moved into the neighborhood, dying in the street or on people’s property.

“They’re just dead on the sidewalk,” said Leah Miller, a Hainesport resident.

“It’s severely affecting the Hainesport town here, and in particular, this lake. It’s killing literally hundreds of geese and even many ducks, and it’s very gruesome to watch,” added neighbor John Cane.

A photo shared by neighbors shows a bird lying upside down on a front porch, and residents say another bird was found dead at a children’s bus stop.

“Kids have to either stand there or stand at a different corner or get driven to school just because the geese are everywhere,” Miller said.

Statewide, more than 1,100 dead or sick birds were reported between Saturday and Monday to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

In Gloucester County, Betty Park and Alcyon Park were closed until further notice after officials were notified of large numbers of sick and dying birds near Alcyon Lake in Pitman.

Anderson described the deaths as distressing to witness.

“They die such a slow, I mean… it’s a traumatizing death,” she said.

In Hainesport, township officials say state agencies will not assist with cleanup because of the overwhelming number of reports statewide. Instead, residents have been provided guidance on safe disposal, including the use of gloves, masks, eye protection and double-bagging.

“Today, I literally bagged 18 dead geese and I have probably another 10 or 20 more in my yard to go,” Cane said.

Residents say the community’s homeowners’ association is discussing possible solutions.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has also set up a reporting system for dead and sick birds, with information available on the agency’s website.