HPAI and Public Health
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly referred to as HPAI, has become a common topic in conversation today. This may be attributed to the virus being detected in animals other than poultry or wild birds, including various mammalian predators and dairy cows, as well as several large avian mortality events attributable to the virus.
Avian influenza had previously been undetected in dairy cattle, but a discovery in 2024 identified the virus on certain farms. While the risk to public health is low at this point, preventing exposure is imperative in reducing opportunities for the virus to mutate.
Preventing Infection
The IDNR and IDPH urge the public to avoid physical contact with any waterfowl or any wild birds showing signs of illness. Pets can be infected by contact with carcasses, respiratory secretions, or droppings from infected animals, so it is important to keep your pets indoors or leashed and ensure they do not approach any sick or deceased animals.
Pets and humans can also be infected if consuming underdone infected poultry or raw milk from an infected cow. Being diligent to properly cook your food and avoid feeding your pet raw food or milk can prevent infection. If you have backyard poultry, keep them in a covered enclosure to prevent wild bird feces from dropping into the enclosure. Additionally, change your clothes and shoes before interacting with your poultry, and keep rodents and wildlife away from their food and water.
Deceased Wildlife
It is encouraged to avoid handling bird carcasses, but in the event carcasses must be removed from your property, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you come across a die-off of five or more birds you should contact your IDNR district wildlife biologist. When handling a deceased bird, you need to protect yourself by wearing the correct equipment. This includes waterproof gloves, safety goggles, an N95 mask, a hair covering, shoe covers, and a disposable gown or coveralls to protect your clothes.
Once you have your protective equipment on, you can dispose of the carcasses in a secure plastic bag and double bag the carcasses. Disinfect the outside of the bag with a disinfectant labelled for the flu virus and place it in a secure garbage can where animals will not get to the carcasses. When you are finished, carefully remove the protective equipment without contaminating yourself or clothes, double bag the equipment and again disinfect the outside of the bag and dispose of it in a waste container.
If you are unsure of how to remove your protective equipment, the CDC has information on how to safely do so. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward and avoid touching your face during the process.
Monitor for Exposure
If you have come into contact with a sick or deceased bird, even if disposing of a carcass with the correct equipment, you should contact your local health department, who will assess your exposure and help with symptom monitoring. Monitor yourself for flu-like symptoms after exposure and contact your health department if you develop symptoms up to 14 days after exposure. If you are experiencing symptoms and suspect you were exposed, do not show up to your healthcare provider without contacting them and the health department.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Interim guidance for employers to reduce exposure to avian influenza A viruses for people working with animals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html
Press release. Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (n.d.). https://dnr.illinois.gov/press-release.30768.html
How do I dispose of Dead Birds on my property (5 or more)?. Safe Dead Bird Disposal (5 or more Birds). (n.d.). https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/respiratory-disease/diseases/influenza/h5n1/dead-bird-disposal-5-or-more.html
Is the highly pathogenic avian influenza a threat to pets?. Veterinary Medicine at Illinois. https://vetmed.illinois.edu/2025/01/09/is-the-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-a-threat-to-pets/
Written By: Alyssa, Class of 2028
