Therese Van Ryne Trustee | Lake Barrington Village
Therese Van Ryne Trustee | Lake Barrington Village
The Lake County Health Department has issued guidance on Avian Influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as "Bird Flu," which is currently affecting poultry and dairy cows in the United States. There has been no evidence of person-to-person transmission. To minimize risk, the public is urged to follow several precautions.
For general safety:
- Avoid direct contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Observe them only from a distance.
- If direct or close contact is necessary, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Wild birds can be infected even if they appear healthy.
- Do not touch surfaces or materials contaminated with saliva, mucus, or feces from wild domestic birds or other animals with confirmed or suspected infections.
- Avoid touching or consuming raw milk or raw milk products from animals with confirmed or suspected infection.
For backyard flock owners:
- Separate your flock from disease sources including wildlife and wild birds.
- Maintain cleanliness in your poultry area and equipment.
- Isolate new or returning birds for at least 30 days before integrating them into your flock.
- Refrain from sharing equipment with neighbors.
- Monitor your flock's health daily for signs of illness.
For pet owners:
- Feed pets only fully cooked food and never give cats raw milk.
- Keep pets away from birds, wildlife, livestock, and poultry.
- If you work with livestock or poultry, wash your hands and change clothes before interacting with pets. Consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet's health.
Additional resources are available through the CDC:
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – CDC
- H5 Bird Flu: Current Situation – CDC
- Signs and Symptoms of Bird Flu in People - CDC
- Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Avian Influenza A Viruses in People - CDC
- Backyard Flock Owners: Protect Yourself from Bird Flu - CDC
- Print and Digital Resources - CDC
For more information specific to Lake County residents:
- Backyard Flocks & Avian Flu Flyer – Lake County Health Department
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