The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sounding the alarm and encouraging public vigilance as avian influenza continues to wreak havoc among the waterfowl population, particularly during their seasonal migration. A recent report highlighted the death of several dozen snow geese at Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area, raising concerns over the possibility of a wider outbreak and the need for increased monitoring.

It seems that this outbreak is not an isolated incident, as IDNR, alongside the Illinois Department of Agriculture, had previously detected this highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strain in wild Canada geese back in March 2022. IDNR is doubling down on its efforts to keep an eye on the situation and is asking the public to report any instances where they might observe clusters of five or more dead birds in one locale. Such reports are pivotal and can be submitted to IDNR district wildlife biologists via an online reporting system.

To mitigate the spread of the virus, experts recommend taking safety measures when handling the remains of infected birds. The Illinois government advises the donning of rubber gloves and masks during disposal and suggests that carcasses should be double-bagged in sealed plastic before being buried or tossed, with approval, into the garbage. Thorough hand-washing after disposal is emphasized as a must to prevent any possibility of transfer to humans.

The IDNR is also serving up advice to hunters. Waterfowl hunters should cook their game to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of killing off the virus, and should avoid handling or consuming sickly or deceased fowl discovered in the field. Pet owners have also been warned not to let their animals near these birds. For those needing a detailed rundown on these precautionary measures, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service offers additional guidance on its website.