Skip to main content
Director Jerry F. Costello II

H5N1 Avian Influenza (Avian Flu)

Call Lines/Reporting

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

Current Detections

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

Commercial and Backyard Poultry

Wild Birds

Mammals

Livestock

Click to listen to Director Costello and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Slager give an update on avian influenza in Illinois

IDNR, IDPH, and IDOA monitoring avian influenza mortality events in waterfowl throughout Illinois

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."

Avian Influenza Information and Resources

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All Collapse All

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. 

  • Sudden death and increased mortality in a flock is often the only sign noted
  • Neurological signs (tremors of head and neck, inability to stand, paralysis)
  • Low appetite, lethargy and diarrhea may be associated
  • Difficulty breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge and coughing
  • Swelling of the head, eyelids, neck and hocks

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:

  1. Wear gloves made of rubber or latex (i.e., not cloth) or a plastic bag over your hands – or use a shovel, tongs, or other instrument to pick up the bird and place it in a plastic bag.
  2. Make sure the beak or claws don’t puncture the bag.
  3. Seal the bag and then seal it inside a second plastic bag. Put the double-bagged bird with trash that will be picked up.
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after disposing of the bird.

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:

  • Prevent dogs from consuming sick birds or birds that are found dead.
  • Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
  • Wear disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
  • Clean harvested wild birds outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.
  • People and equipment that have been in contact with wild game birds should avoid contact with back yard poultry flocks.
  • Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game.
  • Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach—one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water.
  • Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination. Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Food Safety and Human Health

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.

Farm and Rural Stress

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. 

Footer

​​​Contact Information

Illinois Department of Agriculture
State Fairgrounds
801 E. Sangamon Ave
Springfield, IL 62702-1813

Agency Directory

Program Directory

Contact Us

Useful Links