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Alerts and Important Animal Health Information

 

Click HERE for updates and information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Report sick or dead domestic/owner poultry to: The Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or USDA APHIS Veterinary Services at 1-866-536-7593

Report sick or dead wild birds (5 or more) to: your local IDNR District Wildlife Biologist or USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-487-3297

Cattle & Bison 840 Tag Program Information

Please visit our Animal Disease Traceability site for more information on the free 840 Tag Program.

Auction Market Sheep & Goat Tag Notice

On 1/23/2023 USDA notified state partners that the National Band and Tag Company had notified them that supply issues have impacted the ability to obtain the orange metal used to manufacture official sheep and goat orange metal serial tags used by markets and dealers.   Per the notification, the company plans on fulfilling orders that were placed before 1/13/2023 with the regular orange metal tags.  USDA has agreed that they will allow the company to use silver "bright" metal tags for scrapie tags until the supply issue is resolved.  It is expected that inventory supplies will be restored in mid-March. USDA has stated they will notify state partners when inventory is back.  It has been encouraged that if you do not need tags currently, to wait until May to place an order when orange tags should be available.  If you do need to place an order, they ask that you order only what you will need to last through May or 2,000 tags, whichever is more.  

While in IL the Auction markets order directly from the USDA office, the shipment is sent directly to the market requesting the tags from the National Band and Tag Company. Therefore, you could receive a shipment of metal "brite" tags in lieu of the orange metal tags during this shortage. 

U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan

The Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare is now enrolling swine industry partners in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP).  Visit U.S. SHIP for more information.

Rabies Awareness

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic, neurologic disease.  In September 2021, Illinois reported the first human case and death within the state from rabies since 1954 after a person was bitten by a rabid bat and did not receive prophylaxis.

The canine strain of rabies has been eradicated in the US due to vaccination practices.  However, the risk of re-introduction is present as a result of importation of animals from countries where the strain remains prevalent.  Strains circulating in bats, raccoons, skunks, and other species are still found within the US.  Therefore, we all must remain vigilant and comply with the laws regarding Rabies vaccination, quarantine and testing in Illinois.  All cats and dogs over the age of 16 weeks are required to be vaccinated with an approved product and this must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.  Please note that while they are required to be vaccinated at 16 weeks of age, if a product is used at 12 weeks and is approved for this age, the animal is considered officially vaccinated.  County animal control officials are responsible for the enforcement of rabies vaccination requirements with oversight from the Department. 

If an animal bites a person or your pet is bitten by another animal, you should always contact your local animal control office first. If you find a bat in your home, or your pet or other domestic animal had contact with a bat you should contact your local animal control office.  Below is a summary of rabies guidance as well as the section of law that applies to help inform Animal Control officials and owners.  If you have questions about submitting a sample for rabies testing please review the IDPH Rabies Submission Form for guidance.   Persons that have been bitten or have been in contact with a bat or have a bat in the home need to contact the local health department, animal control and their doctor.  You may also visit Rabies | IDPH (illinois.gov) for more information.  Only the labs listed on the IDPH website are approved for testing Rabies. Please coordinate this with your local animal control and local health department to ensure testing is done at an approved laboratory.  

Type Of Bite Vaccine Status Quarantine Length Notes
Dog/Cat Bites Human Vaccinated 10 Days Reference 510 ILCS 5/13 for specifics.  Seen by veterinarian within 24 hours of bite and at end of quarantine to ensure no clinical signs and microchipped if not already.  If the animal is euthanized or expires before the end of quarantine, the brain must be submitted for rabies testing.
Dog/Cat Bites Human Unvaccinated 10 days- quarantine in a supervised facility Reference ILCS 5/13 for specifics. Seen by veterinarian within 24 hours and at end of quarantine to ensure no clinical signs and vaccinate for rabies after 10 day quarantine and microchip if not already.  If the animal is euthanized or expires before the end of quarantine, the brain must be submitted for rabies testing.
Rabid (or potentially rabid) animal bites dog, at or ferret or the animal is found in close proximity to a bat  and the bat can't be tested negative Vaccinated 45 days Reference section 30.130 of animal control rules.  Immediate humane euthanasia is preferred.  If not, then if vaccinated more than 30 days prior to exposure and within immunity period the dog should be revaccinated and confined for the 45 days.  Location of confinement is discretion of animal control.
Rabid (or potentially rabid animal) bites dog, cat or ferret or the animal is found in  close proximity to a bat and the bat can't be tested negative Unvaccinated or out of date 6 months Reference section 30.130 of animal control rules.  Immediate humane euthanasia  is preferred.  If not, vaccinate IMMEDIATELY and placed under quarantine.  Revaccinate at END of 5 MONTHS of quarantine and remain in quarantine for 30 more days.  Location of confinement is discretion of animal control.