Bird lovers can fear no more, the use of backyard feeders and baths can resume. Wildlife biologists at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources advised that the ban has been lifted with the avian flu minimized. IDNR had recommended the use of bird feeders and bird baths to be suspended through May 31st in response to the EA H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Illinois.
With spring migration complete, the risk of further disease outbreaks among wild bird populations has been minimized. To date HPAI has not been detected in songbirds. IDNR Wildlife Disease Program Mgr. Chris Jacques says that they appreciate the support of the public.
IDNR continues to encourage regular cleaning of bird feeders and bird baths. People who keep poultry should remain extra vigilant.
HPAI may still occur in resident waterfowl, so the IDNR asks that you avoid feeding ducks and geese. Experts have documented HPAI related deaths in eagles, cormorants, snow geese, white pelicans, red-tailed hawks, mallard ducks, redhead ducks, lesser scaup, Canadian Geese, Ross’s geese, and turkey vultures in Champaign, Cook, Fulton, Lake, Madison, Peoria, Sangamon, and Will counties.
