H5N1 Avian Influenza (Avian Flu)

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.