Science & Nature
Illinois Officials Have Issued a Warning About Bird Flu. Here’s What to Know
Illinois officials have issued a warning about the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) following a significant increase in bird deaths, particularly among waterfowl. While the flu poses minimal immediate risk to humans, experts warn that the virus’ rapid spread among birds and mammals could increase the likelihood of mutations, potentially creating a strain more transmissible to humans.
So far, Illinois has reported no human cases of bird flu. However, human cases have been documented in neighboring states like Wisconsin and Michigan, raising concerns among local health officials. Across the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 66 human cases in 10 different states, including a recent severe case in Louisiana involving a new variant of the virus.
A Growing Threat to Public Health and Wildlife
Seth Magle, director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo, said that while the threat level to people is still low, cats are at high risk of catching the flu.
“Keep your cats inside,” Magle said. “There’s really no risk as long as your cat’s indoors, so I think that’s the key thing we can do to prevent human outbreak.”
Magle also suggested taking down bird feeders, keeping pet dogs on a leash and not interacting with dead animals as a way to minimize the possibility of transmission.
Concerns Over Human and Agricultural Impacts
Dairy and poultry workers are at higher risk due to their proximity to potentially infected animals. Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House’s former COVID-19 response chief, has called for expanded testing on farm workers and increased vaccination efforts to reduce the risk of genetic reassortment between seasonal flu and H5N1. Such reassortment could result in a strain capable of human-to-human transmission.
The CDC has already implemented enhanced testing and surveillance, monitoring more than 10,000 people exposed to avian flu and launching vaccination campaigns for high-risk groups. However, concerns remain over the adequacy and availability of these measures.
Why Urban Wildlife Matters
The broader implications of bird flu extend beyond rural farms.
“We (the Urban Wildlife Institute) run a major research program in what’s called One Health where we combine human, animal and environmental health because we know all of those systems are linked,” Magle said. “When you have a huge outbreak of disease in the wildlife community, for example, there could be the potential it could spread to humans.”
He pointed to the world’s last major pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak, that originated in an animal before spreading to people.
To safeguard against potential exposure, Magle recommends:
- Avoid handling or approaching sick or dead birds.
- Keep pets leashed and away from wildlife.
- Monitor flu-like symptoms if exposed to birds and contact local health authorities if symptoms develop.
