100+ Vulture Deaths Close NJ Trail, Bird Flu To Blame: DEP

LAFAYETTE, NJ - A portion of the Sussex Branch Trail in Lafayette is closed until further notice due to over 100 black vulture deaths in the immediate area – and experts say bird flu is to blame.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the cause of the black vulture deaths as bird flu, with the state DEP Fish and Wildlife division deciding to leave the dead birds to decompose on site “due to rough terrain causing accessibility issues and a lack of personnel in the State certified to handle infected birds,” according to the New Jersey State Park Service.

Improper handling of the dead birds can also lead to further spread of disease, officials said.

The trail, operated by the New Jersey State Park Service, is closed from Route 94 to Morris Farms Road in Lafayette.

The flu is spread through bodily fluids contact, including nasal, oral, ocular or feces secretions from infected animals. It can also spread through equipment, shoes and vehicles.

But overall, the risk of bird flu transmission to people is extremely low, officials say.

“The New Jersey Department of Agriculture and NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife are continuing monitoring the situation,” the park service said.