Bird Flu Information

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 clicking here.

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 biologist 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.

To dispose of any dead bird (that will not be evaluated by the IDPH) you will need the following:

• Disposable waterproof gloves
• Plastic bags
• Safety goggles
• N95 mask
• Secure trash can

Please follow these instructions:

1. Don’t use bare hands to pick up any dead bird or animal.
2. Use disposable waterproof gloves and/or an inverted plastic bag to pick up the dead bird(s). Double the plastic bag with the bird(s) inside and dispose in the trash where it cannot be accessed by children or animals.
3. Consider wearing a raincoat or disposable plastic trash bag over your clothes.
4. Safety goggles and an N95 mask (available in retail stores) can be used to protect your eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. After handling a bird, avoid touching your face with glove or unwashed hands.
6. After the bird(s) are disposed of, take gloves off first and put into plastic bag for disposal.
7. Wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
8. Remove mask and goggles.
9. Throw away any disposable equipment after use (mask, gloves) and disinfect other equipment (like safety goggles) according to manufacturer’s specifications.

   10. Wash clothes in washing machine with detergent and use the hot water cycle.

   11. Disinfect your shoes using one of the following methods: Prepare  a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water and submerge shoes in the solution for 10 minutes. The mixed solution is good for 7 days -or- Spray your shoes with a benzalkonium chloride-based commercial disinfectant (such as Lysol spray or similar product) and allow them to dry.

   12. Contact your local health department for an exposure assessment and symptom monitoring.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring a large event of waterfowl deaths that appear to be linked to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI can spread to humans and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has published important guidelines regarding the reporting and handling of deceased birds.  The public is reminded to not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness.