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

For updates on confirmed detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Illinois and throughout the United States visit the following pages:

Commercial and Backyard Poultry

Wild Birds

Mammals

Livestock

Press Release - Friday, December 20, 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.

"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."

Report any unusual illness, increased death loss, or significant decrease in water or feed consumption to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or USDA APHIS Veterinary Services at 1-866-536-7593.

To ensure direct notification and information during disease outbreaks, register your livestock premises now.  The form to register can be found on the Animal Disease Traceability Page or access it directly by using the Premises Registration Form. 

• Learn more about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HERE
• Illinois Poultry Producer HPAI Alert Letter 
  
• Poultry Basic Biosecurity 
  
• USDA APHIS Defend the Flock Program 
  
• USDA APHIS Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Updates
  

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern.  No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.  As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

• IDPH Avian Influenza Information 
  
• IDPH Avian Influenza FAQ
  
• CDC Avian Influenza Information
  

The agricultural industry faces unique pressures. As the business owner of a 24/7 operation whose home is the office and family and friends are often the employees, the responsibilities run deep.  Emotional health is often the last thing to be addressed during times of adversity. The Illinois Department of Agriculture, SIU School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD), and the University of Illinois Extension are collaborating to build a network of support and resources for Illinois farm families.  

Everyone needs someone to talk to.  Producers who need assistance can receive free, confidential support by calling or texting 1-833-FARM-SOS (833-327-6767) or emailing FarmFamilyResourceHelpline@mhsil.com. You can also visit the SIU Farm Family Resource Initiative website HERE.