6 days ago · A group of dead mergansers on Chicago’s lakefront. (Courtesy of Chicago Bird Collision Monitors) Avian influenza has been circulating in wild birds since the late 1990s, with some strains deadlier than others. The latest strain, H5N1, which broke out in 2021-22, is what’s known as “highly pathogenic” or HPAI for short, meaning it causes ...

5 days ago · It’s the latest in a string of deaths and infections in and around Chicago. Outbreaks of the virus, also called H5N1 or avian flu, have decimated poultry flocks and infected cattle herds nationwide.

Feb 3, 2025 · Hundreds of ducks infected with avian influenza — H5N1 bird flu — have been found along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Chicago area, prompting warnings from area health officials. The ...

3 days ago · H5N1 is a highly infectious avian influenza that is a subtype of the influenza A virus. Prince said it has been dangerous for birds since the late ’90s. “[Birds] stumble.

Feb 4, 2025 · Avian flu is devastating bird populations along Chicago’s lakefront, with hundreds of dead waterfowl reported in recent days. Volunteers are finding large numbers of sick and dead birds ...

Feb 4, 2025 · Catch up quick: Bird flu has struck 113 U.S. flocks in the last 30 days, affecting 19 million birds and spiking egg prices and, soon, local bakery costs. In the last year, at least 66 people in the U.S. contracted bird flu — one fatally — …

Feb 3, 2025 · Chicago Bird Collision Monitors advised residents who happen upon them should avoid handling birds who have symptoms of avian influenza and to keep pets and children away from sick birds. They ...

H5 bird flu is caused by a type of influenza virus called the avian influenza A(H5) virus. This virus is widespread in wild birds and has caused outbreaks in other animals such as poultry and dairy cows. ... The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring the bird flu situation and risk bird flu poses to people. For ...

Jan 23, 2025 · "While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure, and to seek treatment quickly if you are exposed," Illinois...

Jan 7, 2025 · Before the eagle died, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources said there were 132 total reported deaths of birds from avian influenza in 22 different Illinois counties in the past month.