BELVIDERE, NJ (Warren County) – Animal Control Officer Robbie Lagonera is urging residents of Belvidere to be cautious after the town has experienced a “hot spot” for avian influenza (bird flu), particularly affecting the local vulture population.
Since the second week of February, Lagonera, along with the Department of Public Works (DPW), has collected 18 vultures that appear to be infected with the virus.
Lagonera noted that a significant number of the infected birds are from a specific area of town near the old county historic museum on Mansfield Street, a known vulture roosting spot. The virus appears to have spread within this group of vultures.
At this time, Lagonera has been working to humanely euthanize sick vultures and collect deceased ones, but he has cautioned the public to avoid the area, especially when walking dogs. “The alley between Hardwick and Mansfield should be avoided when walking dogs,” Lagonera said.
In addition, Lagonera issued a reminder to residents to refrain from putting out bowls of food for stray cats, as vultures are attracted to cat food, and this could potentially spread the virus to the cats. “You may be inviting the vultures to share the virus with cats, creating an entirely new issue,” Lagonera explained.
The avian flu, while concerning, should resolve as warmer weather arrives, as the virus does not survive as long in higher temperatures. However, Lagonera has advised residents to report any sightings of sick or deceased birds, as he continues to work with a pathologist to confirm that the outbreak is indeed the avian flu.
Lagonera concluded by thanking the DPW for their help with cleaning up the deceased birds and the local police department for assisting with sick ones. He reassured residents that while the situation is concerning, it is being actively managed. “We will get through this soon,” he said.
