Update on Avian Flu (January 18, 2025)

 
Long-necked bird with long, hooked gold beak, blue eye, and brown feathers, swimming in still water.

Double-crested Cormorant. Photo by Alex Muench, Sept. 2, 2024.

words by Christina Harber

As reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds, mammals, and humans increase this winter, the Chicago Ornithological Society is urging its members in the Chicago area to take precautions to monitor and prevent the spread of this disease among birds, mammals, and humans.  

COS recommends following the guidelines laid out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The following is a summary of recommendations.

The IDNR recommends the public should not attempt to handle wild birds showing signs of illness. Instead, they may report observations of five or more deceased birds in one location to the IDNR district wildlife biologist.

The virus can be spread through a bird’s saliva, mucus, and feces either through inhalation or ingestion. Don’t wear shoes indoors and avoid walking through areas with bird feces such as around ponds. Birders should take care to wear footwear that can be washed and disinfected, such as rubber boots, while birding. Wash and remove all dirt and solid particles before disinfecting. Use disinfectants as directed by the manufacturer for treatment of H5N1 as registered with the EPA. Examples include the following:

  • Clorox Disinfecting Wipes: 15 seconds wet contact time before drying

  • Clorox Disinfecting Bleach or Performance Bleach: dilute to ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon water (1:32 ratio) and 5 minutes wet contact time before drying

  • Other disinfectants approved by the EPA are listed here.

 Concerning wild birds, waterfowl and raptors are significantly more susceptible to HPAI than songbirds. Recent studies on songbirds referenced by Cornell Lab of Ornithology show that the risk to songbirds is low. Therefore, there is currently no recommendation to remove feeders unless you also have domestic poultry. However, it is always prudent to clean feeders regularly. Seed feeders should be cleaned at least every two weeks by either scrubbing with soap and boiling water or soaking in a dilute bleach solution. Instructions from Cornell Lab can be found here. Not only will regular cleaning prevent spread of infectious disease, but removal of moldy and spoiled food will also keep birds healthy. 

Currently, local wildlife rehabilitation centers are taking care to prevent the spread of avian influenza among their staff and patients. COS asks that its members concerned for ill birds also show concern for these tireless individuals who have devoted their lives to rescuing and saving wildlife and respect their decisions, as only they know what is best for their facilities, the animals in their care, and the animals they can potentially help. Intake of injured or ill waterfowl and aquatic birds is restricted. The DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center (formerly Willowbrook Wildlife Center) is currently not accepting waterfowl for treatment. Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation and Anderson Humane are accepting waterfowl on a case-by-case basis, and Oaken Acres Wildlife Center is not accepting waterfowl showing symptoms of HPAI. If you find injured waterfowl, call these centers for guidance.  

HPAI is not just a disease of birds and can spread to human and non-human mammals and has already affected dairy cows. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends that pet owners can minimize risk by keeping cats indoors and preventing pets from close exposure to wild birds, poultry, and cattle when outdoors. Avoid feeding raw meat and poultry as well as unpasteurized milk. Report any flu-like symptoms in pets and people to medical professionals.

Additional direction should be sought for more complex situations such as what precautions to take with domestic poultry and how to dispose of deceased birds suspected of carrying HPAI; see information from Cornell Lab and the USDA. 

Influenza strains can mutate and recommendations may change in the future. Remain vigilant and stay tuned for any updates.  

 
ConservationChristina Harber