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

SPRINGFIELD, IL- The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Mclean County, Illinois. Anyone that owns birds or is involved with poultry production, whether on a small or commercial level, should be aware of this finding and take precautions to protect their flock. 

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is working closely with APHIS on a joint incident response. IDOA quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flocks will not enter the food system. 

"Producers and owners should review their biosecurity plans and prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings," said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. "IDOA also strongly encourages all producers to keep birds indoors when possible."

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 AHPIS Defend the Flock Program 
  
• USDA APHIS 2022 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. 

Are you a veterinarian?  If you are licensed veterinarian in Illinois and provide medical services to chickens and/or other avian species such as turkeys, waterfowl and gamebirds please take a survey developed by Illinois USDA APHIS Veterinary Services and the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  Information from the survey will be used to determine the needs of poultry flocks in Illinois and outreach needs to increase interest in poultry medicine. Take the survey HERE.