**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Contact Advocates for Urban Agriculture:**
water@auachicago.org

Avian influenza A(H5N1), known as H5N1 and commonly as bird flu, is a influenza A viral disease that is increasingly infecting wild animals, pets, and farmed animals including poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkey, etc.), dairy cows, cats and other farmed and domesticated animals. The virus is highly contagious, and can be transmitted from wild birds (shorebirds and waterfowl are thought to be the most likely transmitters) to farmed animals, and from animals to humans. As of early 2025, there have been 67 confirmed human cases in the U.S. and 1 confirmed death attributed to the disease.

Since 2022, there have been over 1500 confirmed outbreaks in poultry and an additional 957 outbreaks in dairy cows across the United States. In Illinois, 11 outbreaks have been confirmed in the same period–9 cases of which have occurred in counties north of Springfield. Three have occurred in Chicagoland counties.

Since late January, hundreds of red-breasted mergansers have been found dead on the shores of Lake Michigan, with the largest concentrations being at North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach.

On January 22, 2025, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed an outbreak in Cook County. The entire flock of hens at Kakadoodle farm, a family-owned organic farm that pasture-raises their flocks, in Matteson, IL was lost due to an outbreak of the disease. The family is seeking help after losing their flock.

SPREAD AND SYMPTOMS

Highly pathogenic viruses present the most danger, but low pathogenic viruses still present significant public health concerns.

From the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):

“Avian influenza spreads quickly by direct, bird-to-bird contact. It can also spread indirectly, such as when birds come into contact with contaminated surfaces or materials. … Avian influenza viruses can be moved on manure; on egg flats, crates, or other farming materials and equipment and even by people who may have inadvertently picked up the virus on their clothing, shoes, or hands.”

From the CDC:

“Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry and backyard or hobbyist flocks beginning in January 2022. These are the first detections of HPAI A(H5) viruses in the U.S. since 2016.”

Symptoms in poultry include:

Sudden death
Low energy, low appetite
Purple discoloration on the wattles, combs and legs
Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles, and shanks
Reduced egg production, misshapen eggs
Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
Difficulty breathing
Lack of coordination
Diarrhea
And nervous system symptoms including: tremors, twisted necks, paralyzed wings, stumbling and pedaling

In humans, symptoms include:

Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Fever
Fatigue
Cough
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stuffy or runny nose
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Low pathogenic avian influenza viruses cause either no signs of disease or mild disease in poultry. However, asymptomatic birds can still infect others, and, in some cases, low pathogenic viruses can mutate into more dangerous viruses.

Complete this form by 2/28/2025 for $100 for PPE support

PREVENTION

The virus can be spread through contact with feces, mucous, or saliva of infected birds. It can survive in a wide range of temperatures and moisture conditions, making it possible to survive on farm equipment and workers’ clothing like gloves and boots.

Those whose flocks interact with wild birds (pasture-raised flocks for example) are at the greatest risk.

Follow this Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service page to track outbreaks in commercial and backyard flocks.

To prevent exposure and spread of the disease, please employ biosecurity measures:

Wash your hands before and after contact with poultry or wild birds.
Always wear PPE (N95 face mask, goggle, disposable gloves, boot covers, and coveralls) when working with farmed animals of any species. Follow this guide for assistance.
Wear designated clothing when working with farmed animals, and do not wear it outside enclosures.
Clothing worn when working with animals should not be worn in living areas.

If you raise multiple animals, have handlers work withworkers handle only one species.
Separate exposed and symptomatic animals.
Limit handling of dead birds.

If you need to remove a wild bird or birds, follow the IDPH recommendations for PPE and conduct.
If your domesticated bird dies, call the Northern Illinois USDA APHIS Vets for testing to determine if the cause was bird flu.

If your domesticated bird appears sick, call the Northern Illinois USDA APHIS Vets for testing to determine if the cause is bird flu.
Limit visitors to your animals.
Prevent wild birds from entering enclosures of domesticated animals whenever possible.

Cover waterers
Cover feed and clean up spills.

Disinfect surfaces, hands, clothing, egg trays, crates, vehicles, tires, and any equipment before and after entering a poultry area.
Buy birds from a reputable source.
In case of an outbreak: