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Alerts and Important Animal Health Information
H5N1 Influenza A Virus Detection in Livestock
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is continuing to monitor the emergence of H5N1 influenza A detections in livestock. We will continue to work with our state and federal partners to provide updates, as necessary. Currently, Illinois has not been affected. We encourage all cattle producers to follow enhanced biosecurity measures and monitor herd health. Please visit the USDA’s webpage for links to their releases and further information: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock. Any owners or veterinarians who have seen cattle with unexplained symptoms should contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or USDA at 217-547-6030. For additional information, please visit the links below and review the attached documents:
- CDC Information Regarding Human Health Risk
- USDA H5N1 Livestock Detection Map
- USDA Recommendations for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Livestock for State Animal Health Officials, Accredited Veterinarians, and Producers
- American Association of Bovine Practitioners Biosecurity Recommendations
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)Sampling Training
The Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare will be hosting a virtual meeting on the sample collection process for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). This meeting is being held to provide information on future in-person training programs to teach proper sample collection techniques and aid in accurate CWD testing. Read the CWD Training Informational Letter for more details and to RSVP.
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. |