H5N1 Bird Flu

H5N1 - Commonly known as H5 bird flu, bird flu, avian influenza, or highly pathogenic avian influenza - has been affecting domestic and wild bird populations worldwide.  More recently, it has caused outbreaks among poultry and dairy cows in the U.S.

Human infections with avian influenza viruses are rare but can occur if enough virus enters a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, or is inhaled.  This may happen when the virus is airborne (in droplets or possibly dust) and inhaled, or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.

To date, there are still no confirmed human cases of H5N1 in Illinois.  There have been cases in poultry, on poultry farms and in wild geese and other waterfowl.  Dairy cattle have also been impacted in a number of states, but not in Illinois.
https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2024/december/release-20241220.html#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20IDPH%20recommends%3A,birds%20found%20in%20one%20location

According to the CDC, the risk of H5 bird flu to the general public remains low, but it is important to be aware of potential risk factors and to take appropriate precautions.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Resources:

CDC: H5N1 Bird Flu - Current Situation
CDC: Backyard Flock Owners - Protect Yourself from Bird Flu
CDC: Reducing Risk for People Working with or Exposed to Animals
CDC: Sequencing for Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in English and Spanish
Multilingual Printable CDC Resources

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Resources:

IDPH: How do I dispose of dead birds on my property (less than 5)
IDPH: How do I dispose of dead birds on my property (more than 5)

Before disposing of dead wild birds when five or more occur, contact your District Wildlife Biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at https://wildlifeillinois.org/idnr-district-wildlife-biologist/ or call the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, at 1-866-487-3297 to determine if domesticated bird samples should be collected for testing.

IDPH: H5N1 Virus Guidance for Farm Workers
IDPH: H5N1 Virus Guidance for Farm Workers Spanish

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:

USDA: Guidance for Zoos and Captive Wildlife Facilities: Protecting Birds from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
USDA: Defend the Flock
USDA: Hunters - Protect Your Poultry and Pet Birds form Avian Influenza

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:

https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza