Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is currently monitoring a significant mortality event among waterfowl across various locations in Illinois. Initial test results have identified highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) as the cause. The public is advised not to handle or attempt to capture wild birds showing signs of illness.

IDNR will continue its surveillance for HPAI-related mortality events throughout the state during the seasonal bird migration. Citizens are encouraged to report instances where five or more deceased birds are found at one location by contacting IDNR district wildlife biologists online.

To prevent infection, pets should be kept away from bird carcasses potentially affected by HPAI. If disposal of carcasses is necessary, IDNR advises following guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Typically, IDNR cannot assist with carcass removal on non-IDNR properties.

Local animal control agencies should adhere to similar precautions and follow guidelines for disposing of dead birds. Additionally, IDPH advises against sending dying or dead birds to veterinarians or wildlife refuges for testing; instead, notify local health departments or IDNR wildlife biologists if multiple deceased birds are found together.

People exposed to sick or dead birds should consider antiviral medications to prevent illness. Symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting, or diarrhea after exposure should prompt immediate notification of local health departments and disclosure upon seeking medical care. Timely treatment within two days of illness onset is crucial for effectiveness.

"While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure and seek treatment quickly if you are exposed," stated IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "We encourage all Illinoisans to follow the advice of experts at IDNR in order to avoid contact with sick birds and take any potential exposure seriously."

Wildlife rehabilitators are advised not to accept waterfowl and other aquatic birds due to heightened infection risks from HPAI at this time. Caution is also recommended when handling raptors and scavengers displaying signs of illness due to possible HPAI exposure.

Waterfowl hunters are reminded by the Department to exercise caution and ensure game meat is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl encountered in the field.

Illinois has reported HPAI detections in both wild birds and poultry, similar to trends seen across other states in the U.S. "The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages poultry owners to be aware of the risk, increase biosecurity measures and prevent contact with wild birds," said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA state veterinarian. Poultry owners should report unusual mortalities in their flocks and heed IDPH's recommendations regarding exposure risks from sick birds.