Avian Flu and Bird Feeders, the latest recommendations

by Robyn Detterline

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is recommending that all Illinoisians take down their bird feeders and remove bird baths until May 31, or until the current bird flu outbreak in the Midwest subsides. Currently COS trusts and recommends following state guidelines.

This comes after approximately 200 birds were found dead at Baker’s Lake in Barrington, Cook County, presumedly from the current H5N1 strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). So far in 2022, H5N1 has primarily been discovered in waterfowl such as Canada Goose, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, and Mallard, but it has also been found in scavengers such as American Crow and Black Vulture, and in raptors, including Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, and Red-tailed Hawk. The IDNR is asking that any deceased or ill Bald Eagle be reported to the agency.

Confirmed Illinois cases of avian flu in wild birds, as of April 19, 2022.
Source: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

While avian flu does not generally affect passerines, their role as carriers in avian flu outbreaks is not well understood, and thus experts recommend avoiding bird-feeding or facilitating any other situation that may cause wild birds of any kind to congregate. The virus is easily transmitted among individuals through feces, saliva, and mucus. In addition to taking down feeders, birders can help avoid spreading H5N1 by taking care to avoid stepping in droppings and cleaning shoes thoroughly after birdwalks.

The IDNR is asking that any occurrence of 5 or more deceased birds in one location be reported to an IDNR district wildlife biologist. In Cook and DuPage counties, contact Nicky Strahl at (847) 608-3122 or nicky.strahl@illinois.gov. In Lake, McHenry, and Kane counties, the IDNR contact is Stefanie Fitzimons at (815) 675-2386 x215 or stefanie.fitzsimons@illinois.gov. Joe Rogus is the biologist for Will, Kendall, Dekalb, and LaSalle counties, and he can be contacted at (815) 476-2523 or joe.rogus@illinois.gov.

The current HPAI outbreak has affected 762 wild birds in 31 states, and over 28 million poultry in 29 states. As of April 21, no cases in humans have been reported.

Infected species in the United States, as of April 19, 2022
Source: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture