Illinois Press Releases Department of Health - State, County and Town. 2025

[Commonground]

Washington County
2025 WCHD Dead Bird Collection DISCONTINUED

Due to the ongoing avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak, the Washington County Health Department will NOT be accepting dead bird specimen during the 2025 West Nile Virus surveillance season.
If you find a dead bird on your property, please be cautious and avoid unnecessary physical contact.
If you need to dispose of dead birds, use the attached guidance to lower the risk of spreading the disease.
Please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources or US Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services before disposing 5 or more birds.

For more information on the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, you can visit the CDC and IDPH websites.
https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html

https://dph.illinois.gov/.../diseases/influenza/h5n1.html​

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=693159579738872&set=a.199018465819655

 

[sharon sanders]

West Nile bird testing suspended in Illinois to prevent bird flu spread


by: Molly Sweeney, Gabriella Morando

Posted: Apr 22, 2025 / 08:46 PM CDT

Updated: Apr 23, 2025 / 01:48 PM CDT
​

snip

The Illinois Department of Public Health said that to prevent a risk of exposure to bird flu, they are temporarily suspending the collection and testing of dead wild birds for West Nile virus.

“It is on hold for 2025,” Ecker said. “We don’t know about 2026 yet. I guess it’s all going to depend on how serious the bird flu gets or if it backs off any.”

But, the IDPH added, the department will continue to collect and test mosquitoes, which will serve as a way to track the virus in Illinois. The IDPH will also continue to provide advice about West Nile, and other mosquito-borne illnesses to keep Illinoisans safe.
​
more... https://www.wcia.com/news/health-ne...ended-in-illinois-to-prevent-bird-flu-spread/

 

[Commonground]

McHenry County
About H5N1 (Avian Influenza A)


Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds, not people. The H5N1 virus is spreading worldwide in wild birds and causing sporadic outbreaks in U.S. poultry and dairy cows.

In addition to spreading to an increasing number of mammals, the H5N1 virus has caused some rare human infections. The current public health risk is low for H5N1, and the CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with exposures to animals that were potentially infected with avian influenza A viruses.

The MCDH remains in close coordination with state and local partners to monitor and respond to H5N1 activity in McHenry County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through reputable sources, including the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).​


How H5N1 (Avian Influenza A) Spreads

People at Risk

Signs and Symptoms

Prevention
What Should You Do?

Exposure Risks
Testing, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Animal Impact

Quick Facts
Research & Resources

Interim Guidance for Employers to Reduce Exposure to Novel Influenza A (such as H5N1 Bird Flu) for People Working with or Exposed to Animals

Additional Resources

links for above are at the webpage.
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/dep...icable-disease-program/h5n1-avian-influenza-a