Bald Eagle’s Death from Bird Flu in Chicago Suburb Part of Spike in Cases in Illinois

Eagle Found in Distress

On Friday, residents called authorities after a bald eagle was found in distress in Hinsdale. Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, which tracks deaths of birds that fly into buildings and seeks to help injured birds, brought the eagle to the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center in Glen Ellyn. It was euthanized Saturday after it appeared to be infected with bird flu, said Annette Prince, executive director of the collision monitors group.

Sarah Reich, head veterinarian at the conservation center, said the center has seen about 100 cases of bird flu since 2022 — with more than half coming in this past year.

Reich said there have been so many cases that her center stopped taking in infected water fowl like geese and ducks. However, the center does accept infected raptor species like hawks and owls.

“The large majority of these animals do not make it. They have neurological problems like seizures and trembling, and in geese, their eyes turn a hazy blue color,” Reich said.

Hunters Beware

Hunters have been advised by the IDNR to thoroughly cook game meat, like geese and ducks, to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If precautions are taken, eating poultry is generally safe, said Dr. Janna Kerins, a medical director in the Chicago Department of Public Health.

“There’s no evidence that anyone in the U.S. has gotten sick with bird flu by eating poultry that has been handled and cooked properly,” Kerins said “If hunters see sick or dead birds they should not handle them and should always wash their hands with soap and water. Also, if they are going to dress birds, they should do it in the field and ideally will wear gloves and separate sets of shoes. They also shouldn’t eat or drink anything when handling game and they should keep uncooked game separate from other food.”

Bird Flu Spreading Rapidly in Illinois

Illinois officials say there has been an increase in birds coming down with the avian flu in recent months, including a bald eagle that had to be euthanized Saturday because of the disease.

“While the avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure, and seek treatment quickly if you are exposed,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of Illinois Department of Public Health, in a statement.

Illinois Sees Spike in Bird Flu Cases

According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 66 people in the U.S. were infected with H5N1, the strain of bird flu, in 2024. Almost all of the cases were in people who worked with livestock or poultry. Most of those cases have been mild, with patients experiencing pink eye or respiratory symptoms.

None of those cases have been in Illinois, but there has been a spike in birds and other animals coming down with the disease, officials say. Before 2024, only one person in the U.S. was known to have bird flu, a poultry worker from Colorado who came down with it in 2022.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the death of a bald eagle from bird flu in a Chicago suburb is part of a larger trend of increased cases in Illinois. While the risk to the general public is low, it is essential to take precautions to avoid exposure and seek treatment quickly if exposed. Hunters and those who come into contact with wild birds or other animals should take steps to prevent transmission.

FAQs

Q: Is bird flu a concern for the general public?
A: While the risk is low, it is essential to take precautions to avoid exposure and seek treatment quickly if exposed.

Q: How can I avoid exposure to bird flu?
A: If you see sick or dead birds, do not handle them. Wash your hands with soap and water. If you plan to dress birds, do it in the field and wear gloves and separate sets of shoes.

Q: Can I get sick from eating poultry that has been infected with bird flu?
A: If precautions are taken, eating poultry is generally safe. The key is to handle and cook poultry properly.

Q: Have there been any human cases of bird flu in Illinois?
A: No, there have been no reported human cases of bird flu in Illinois. However, there has been an increase in birds and other animals coming down with the disease in recent months.