Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is actively monitoring a significant waterfowl mortality event across various locations in Illinois. Initial test results indicate that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is responsible for these deaths.

Residents are advised not to handle or attempt to capture wild birds showing signs of illness. IDNR will continue its surveillance efforts during the seasonal bird migration, urging the public to report instances where five or more dead birds are found in one area to district wildlife biologists online.

To prevent infection, pets should be kept away from bird carcasses potentially affected by HPAI. For disposal, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides guidelines. IDNR generally cannot assist with removing carcasses from non-IDNR properties.

Local animal control agencies are advised to follow similar precautions when disposing of dead birds. IDPH recommends against sending dying or dead birds to veterinarians or wildlife refuges for testing and advises contacting local health departments or IDNR biologists instead if multiple deceased birds are discovered.

People exposed to sick or dead birds should consider antiviral medications as a preventive measure. If symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting, or diarrhea develop after exposure, they should contact their local health department immediately and inform healthcare providers about the exposure. Early treatment within two days of symptom 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 the 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 increased infection risks from HPAI at this time. Caution is also recommended when handling raptors and scavengers displaying illness symptoms due to potential HPAI exposure risks.

Waterfowl hunters are reminded by IDNR to cook game meat thoroughly at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl encountered in the field.

Besides wild bird detections, HPAI has been found in poultry within Illinois and other states across 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, state veterinarian at IDOA. Poultry owners should report unusual flock mortalities and heed IDPH's recommendations on exposure prevention.