The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is urging the public to report significant mortality events among waterfowl and other waterbirds during their seasonal migrations. Recently, several dozen waterbirds, mainly snow geese, have died from suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Randolph County. As waterfowl migrate from northern breeding grounds and gather in the state, additional mortality events may occur.
HPAI was first detected in wild Canada geese in Illinois in March 2022, as announced by IDNR in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The department will continue monitoring for HPAI-related deaths during bird migration seasons. The public is encouraged to report any findings of five or more dead birds at a single location through the local IDNR district wildlife biologist's online platform.
When disposing of deceased wild birds, it is advised to wear rubber gloves and a mask. Carcasses should be double-bagged in sealed plastic bags and either buried away from scavengers or disposed of via garbage services if permitted by local waste providers. It is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling deceased birds.
Waterfowl hunters are reminded to take safety measures by cooking game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Hunters should avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found outdoors and prevent pets from consuming birds that died from unknown causes. Additional guidance for hunters is available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.
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