Update: Avian Flu and Bird Feeders

by Robyn Detterline

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has let its recommendation to suspend the use of bird feeders and bird baths expire. The recommendation declared in March was the result of the prevalence of the H5N1 strain of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Illinois and was to last until May 31. With migration season ending, and without evidence that HPAI is infecting songbirds, the IDNR is lifting backyard restrictions. They still discourage the public from feeding waterfowl and encourage following best practices for keeping feeders and baths clean.

As of May 25, HPAI has been confirmed in Champaign, Cook, Fulton, Lake, and Will counties in Illinois and has affected waterfowl and raptors, including Canada Goose, Mallard, Double-crested Cormorant, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Ross’s Goose, Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk, American White Pelican, and Bald Eagle.

HPAI continues to infect wild birds across the country. The outbreak has been detected in 1,295 individual birds across 40 states, as well as nearly 38 million poultry. There has been one human case of the virus this year.

Concerned citizens should still report any occurrence of 5 of more deceased birds in one location to the IDNR. These events can 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.