
Merrill Creek Reservoir temporarily closed due to confirmed cases of bird flu
HARMONY TOWNSHIP, NJ (Warren County) – Merrill Creek Reservoir (MCR), located in Harmony Township, has temporarily suspended public access to its facilities, including the visitor center, following confirmed cases of the Bird Flu virus (H5N1). This precautionary measure aims to protect the health and safety of visitors.
Recent reports indicate that the H5N1 virus has been detected in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding regions, primarily affecting waterfowl and other bird species that flock and roost together, such as snow geese and crows.
Several dead or sick birds were observed at MCR, prompting the staff to report the findings to the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDFW) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) for further evaluation. NJDFW has since confirmed that the virus was detected in the birds found at the reservoir.
As a safety measure, MCR has temporarily closed its facilities to prevent any potential exposure to the virus.