IDNR, IDPH, and IDOA monitoring avian influenza mortality events in
waterfowl throughout Illinois
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 [December 21, 2024]
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural
Resources (IDNR) is monitoring a large event of waterfowl mortality at
numerous locations throughout Illinois. Test results received so far
indicate highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the cause.
The public is reminded to not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or
other wild birds displaying signs of illness.
IDNR will continue to monitor for HPAI mortality events throughout the
state during the seasonal bird migration. Members of the public are
encouraged to report concentrations of five or more deceased birds found
at one location to IDNR district wildlife biologists
by going online.
Due to risk of infection to other animals, dogs and other pets should be
kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from HPAI. If
carcasses need to be disposed of, IDNR recommends following guidance
from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). IDNR is unable to
assist with carcass removal from non-IDNR properties in most situations.
Local animal
control agencies should also take similar precautions and follow the
guidelines above in disposing of dead birds. In addition, IDPH
recommends:
Do not send dying or dead birds to veterinarians, wildlife refuges,
etc., for testing. Instead, notify your local health department or alert
IDNR wildlife biologists in cases of five or more deceased birds found
in one location.
People can get on antiviral medications after exposures to prevent
illness.
If the public develops any symptoms of the “flu” – fever, cough, sore
throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness,
vomiting or diarrhea – after exposure to sick or dead birds, please
notify the local health department immediately. Upon seeking medical
attention, please let any health care facility know of your exposure.
Treatment must be started within two days of illness for it to be most
effective, so the public is urged to not delay seeking care.
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“While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to
the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid
exposure, and to seek treatment quickly if you are exposed,” said
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 to take any potential exposure seriously. These
common-sense steps can help reduce the likelihood of spreading this
illness.”
IDNR recommends that wildlife rehabilitators not accept waterfowl
and other aquatic birds because of the elevated risk of infection by
HPAI at this time. Caution should also be taken when accepting
raptors, scavengers, and other birds displaying signs of illness due
to risk of exposure to HPAI. Further guidance for wildlife
rehabilitators regarding HPAI can be found
online.
The Department reminds waterfowl hunters to take precautions and
thoroughly cook game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees
Fahrenheit. Avoid handling sick or dead waterfowl found in the
field. Further guidance for hunters can be found
online.
In addition to detections in wild birds, Illinois and other states
across the United States have seen detections in poultry.
“The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages poultry
owners to be aware of the risk, increase biosecurity measure and
prevent contact with wild birds,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA state
veterinarian. “In addition, we encourage poultry owners to report
unusually large mortalities in their flocks and to be aware of
IDPH’s recommendations regarding exposure to sick birds.”
[IDNR, IDPH, IDOA]
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