Springfield, IL — With fall migration season underway, Illinois health officials are urging residents not to handle or transport dead or sick wild birds as part of ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), although the state remains “unaffected” by H5N1 in dairy cattle, wild birds traveling through Illinois could still carry the virus. The agencies stressed that improper handling of birds can increase the risk of infection to both animals and humans.
H5N1, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is a contagious virus found in waterfowl and other wild birds. It can spread to livestock or humans who come in contact with infected birds or contaminated materials. IDPH recommends that residents not send dying or dead birds to veterinarians, wildlife refuges, or testing facilities. Instead, the public should report sightings of five or more dead birds in one area to local health departments or Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wildlife biologists.
Officials noted that if individuals are exposed to sick or dead birds, they should monitor for flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, or difficulty breathing — and notify a healthcare provider immediately. Antiviral medications can help prevent illness if started within two days of symptom onset.
“The risk to the general public remains low, but prevention begins with awareness,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Avoid contact with wild birds, practice good hygiene, and report any unusual bird deaths to help keep our communities safe.”
For additional guidance, IDPH offers detailed information on how to handle bird carcasses safely and updates on avian influenza through its website and the H5N1 Toolkit.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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