H5N1 Bird Flu Risk

Do Not Touch or Go Near Sick or Dead Animcals

Current Public Health Risk for the General Public Risk is: LOW

Risk is HIGHER for people who have contact with:

  • Potentially infected sick or dead birds, livestock, or other animals. Examples of animals that have been infected so far: chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, birds, cows, raccoons, squirrels, mice, rats, and more.
  • Water or surfaces that have feces/poop, unpasteurized (raw) milk or unpasteurized dairy products, or parts (carcasses, internal organs, etc.) of potentially infected animals on them.
  • An infected person.

    • Keep up with the latest information and risk level here:
    H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation | Bird Flu | CDC

    Information for Backyard Flock Owners

    Flock owners, managers, or veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry, such as an increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs, including coughing and sneezing immediately to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or to the USDA at 866-536-7593.

    Protecting Backyard Flocks from Bird Flu

    More information on Small Flock protection here.

    What You Can Do To Protect Yourself From H5N1 Bird Flu

  • Do Not Go Near Sick or Dead Wild Birds (geese, birds, ducks), Poultry (chickens/turkeys), and Other Animals (cows, raccoons, squirrels, mice, rats). Observe only from a distance.

  • If you must go near or have contact with sick or dead animals, protect yourself by wearing ALL recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) detailed here:

    How Do I Dispose of Dead Birds on My Property (less than 5)

    How Do I Dispose of Dead Birds on My Property (more than 5)

    • NOTE: Wild birds can be infected with avian (bird) influenza (flu) A viruses even if they do not look sick.

  • Do not touch surfaces or materials that have saliva, mucous, or animal feces/poop from wild or domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected avian bird influenza A virus infection on them.

  • Do not touch or drink/eat raw milk or raw milk products, especially from animals with confirmed or suspected avian influenza A virus infection.

  • Cook poultry (chicken/turkey) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F and eggs to an internal temperature of 160 F.

  • Cook ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 F or whole cuts of beef (like steaks) until they reach an internal temperature of 145, then let meat rest for 3 minutes.

    • Protect Your Pets!

  • Keep cats indoors
  • Do not allow dogs or cats to have contact with birds or other wildlife.
  • Thoroughly cook raw meat before feeding it to your pet.

    • How is Bird Flu Spreading flyer

    Food Safety

    H5N1 and Raw Milk

    Unpasteurized (raw) milk and dairy products made from it (e.g., cheese, yogurt, ice cream) can be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death. Though bird flu is causing outbreaks in U.S. dairy cows, pasteurization kills harmful germs in milk so that pasteurized milk is safe to consume. Always choose pasteurized milk and dairy products to protect your health and the health of your family.

    Raw Milk and H5N1