State officials are cautioning the public and monitoring a large event involving waterfowl that are dying from bird flu throughout Illinois, including in Woodstock.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) said Friday that it is monitoring a large event of waterfowl mortality at numerous locations throughout the state.
Test results received so far indicate highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the cause.
The City of Woodstock said waterfowl affected by HPAI was confirmed in Woodstock.
“To help reduce the risk of exposure, it is crucial to report and safely remove any deceased birds immediately,” the city said, adding that residents who live in incorporated Woodstock should contact public works.
The public is reminded not to handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness.
The IDNR said they 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.
Residents should keep their dogs and other pets away from carcasses of birds due to the risk of infection, officials said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends not sending dying or dead birds to veterinarians or wildlife regues for testing and instead notifying the local health department or alerting IDNR wildlife biologists in cases of five or more deceased birds found in one location.
Anyone who develops flu symptoms after exposure to sick or dead birds should contact the local health department immediately to seek antiviral medications.
“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,” Vohra said.
The IDNR recommends that wildlife rehabilitators not accept waterfowl and other aquatic birds because of the elevated risk of infection by HPAI.
The department also recommends waterfowl hunters take precautions and thoroughly cook game meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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,” Ernst said.