Friday, April 11, 2025
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today an additional 30-day suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets, in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu, will be extended an additional 30 days, continuing through May 11, 2025. The move is intended to reduce and prevent the spread of the disease, which has been detected in commercial and backyard flocks in Illinois.
The suspension will be re-evaluated in early May and further updates will be provided at that time.
Poultry flock owners, managers and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.
For more information regarding avian flu, visit the USDA site at aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections.
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:
"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.
Avian Influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A influenza viruses. These viruses occur naturally and can infect poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, domestic ducks, geese, and guinea fowl) and wild birds (especially waterfowl). Avian flu virus strains are extremely infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock.
Currently, the strain of concern causing illness in wild and domestic birds, is highly pathogenic H5N1.
Poultry flock owners, managers, and veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing, immediately to IDOA at 217-782-4944 or the United States Department of Agriculture at 866-536-7593.
Avian influenza spreads quickly by direct, birdto-bird contact. It can also spread indirectly, such as when domestic birds come in direct contact or even indirect contact with diseased migratory waterfowl (including wild ducks and geese). Avian flu viruses can be moved in manure, on egg flats, crates or other farming materials and equipment. It can even be spread by people who may have inadvertently picked the virus up on their clothing, shoes or hands.
Everyone is reminded not to handle or attempt to capture wild waterfowl or other birds displaying signs of illness. Due to risk of infection to other animals, dogs, cats and other pets should be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from avian flu. Also, it is not recommended to feed raw milk or meat which could contain virus.
To dispose of a dead wild bird properly, use the following method:
If people encounter five or more deceased wild waterfowl, waterbirds, or raptors in one location, they should contact their local Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) district wildlife biologist (DNR district biologists) or the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Wildlife Services at 866-487-3297.
While there is no evidence that any human cases of avian flu have ever been acquired by eating properly cooked poultry products, wild birds can carry viruses without developing symptoms. Bird hunters should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game:
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.
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.
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