Avian Influenza/H5N1 (also known as Bird Flu) is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. There has also been a concerning increase in dead or dying birds and geese washing ashore along Lake Michigan, many infected with H5N1. Although risk to humans is low, a small number of humans in the US have been infected with H5N1 after close, or lengthy unprotected contacted with infected poultry or infected cattle. Most humans have had mild illness and fully recovered, and none passed the infection to other people. However, it is essential to take precautions when encountering affected birds.
What is Avian Influenza (H5N1)? It is a disease found in birds caused by an avian influenza virus. Wild birds are regularly infected with avian influenza viruses and sometimes do not show any signs. But they can cause die-offs of certain wild birds, especially waterfowl. These same viruses can be deadly in domesticated poultry such as chickens and turkeys. Humans can be infected with avian influenza if the virus (H5N1) gets into a person’s eyes, nose or mouth, or is breathed in.
Here is what you can do to keep you, your family and your pets safe:
- Avoid Handling Birds: Refrain from touching sick or dead birds.
- 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 H5N1.
- Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash and kept away from carcasses, animal feces and feathers of animals.
- Disinfect Regularly: If you walk along the lakefront or in parks, disinfect your shoes and avoid bringing them indoors. Consider wearing rubber boots for easier cleaning.
- 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 H5N1.
Reporting Dead Birds:
- On Park District Property: Contact Greg Fields at gfields@winpark.org.
- Off Park Property: Contact the Winnetka Police on their non-emergency line at 847-501-6034.
- If You Find Five or More Dead Birds: Please report them to the Wildlife Biologist at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) https://dnr.illinois.gov/ IDNR will continue to monitor for Avian Influenza mortality events throughout the state during the seasonal bird migration.
We encourage everyone to stay vigilant and help experts reduce the spread of H5N1 / Avian Influenza. Together, we can protect ourselves and the birds we love.
Learn more about Illinois Department of Public Health’s Guidance for Asymptomatic Contacts.
Learn more about Illinois Department of Public Health’s Bird_Disposal of five or more birds.