Don’t be a hero if you spot birds or animals showing signs of avian flu (dead or distressed birds, multiple signs of sickness). Our instinct is to help, but trying to help a bird with avian flu likely spreads it more.
“Conservation police officers received weekend reports of ducks, red-breasted mergansers, and Canada geese washing ashore at Oak Street, North Avenue, and Tower [Road] beaches in Cook County,” emailed Brandon Damm, public information officer for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources “There have been 144 reported incidents in Illinois since Dec. 3, 2024.”
“The Illinois Department reminds the public to not handle waterfowl or other birds displaying illness, nor transport birds to veterinarians, wildlife refuges, wildlife rehabilitators, etc. If carcasses need to be disposed of, the IDNR recommends following guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health.”
And keep your pets away from dead or sick birds.
The go-to on handling suspected cases is the joint release on Dec. 20 from the IDPH, IDNR and Illinois Department of Agriculture.