DNR Warns Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Migrating Across Iowa and Illinois

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning the public about a sharp rise in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu, among wild birds across the state. After nearly a year without significant detections, the virus has resurged, primarily affecting waterfowl since early December as migration stress and severe cold amplify its spread.

Resurgence in Iowa

Since 2022, the H5N1 strain of HPAI has significantly impacted wild birds in North America for the first time, with Iowa now witnessing a surge north of Interstate 80. Dabbling ducks, an early indicator species, began testing positive in November, followed shortly by sick and dead geese.

Get our free mobile app

Dr. Rachel Ruden, state wildlife veterinarian with the Iowa DNR, explained that while some infected birds exhibit the classic symptoms—such as twisted necks, swimming in circles, or uncoordinated movement—others appear quiet and fail to fly when approached. The public has been told to avoid sick birds or odd acting birds, but is encouraged to report them.

HPAI can also affect scavengers and predators like eagles or red foxes that consume infected carcasses. Given the virus's ability to remain viable in deceased birds for several weeks, the DNR urges caution when encountering sick or dead wildlife:

• Report Findings: If you discover five or more sick or dead birds in a single location within one week, contact your local wildlife biologist or conservation officer. Reports of solitary birds or mammals are also encouraged. Contact details are available on the Iowa DNR website.
• Do Not Interfere: Avoid touching or approaching sick birds, and do not transport them to wildlife rehabilitators to limit the virus’s spread.

It's also important to remember that, however rare, there is a possibility for this disease to infect humans as well, so necessary precautions should always be taken.

Precautions for Hunters and Dog Owners

Hunters can take simple steps to protect themselves and their pets while dressing and consuming game:

• Wear gloves when handling birds and thoroughly wash hands, tools, and surfaces with disinfectant afterward.
• Cook all game meat to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill the virus.
• Keep hunting dogs away from unknown carcasses and avoid feeding raw meat to pets.

Hunters can reference safety guidelines from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Ducks Unlimited for more information.

Illinois Summary

While Iowa is currently experiencing a surge, Illinois wildlife officials are dealing with similar concerns after dozens of waterbirds, primarily snow geese, were found dead at Baldwin Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Randolph County. Illinois DNR urges residents to report mortality events involving five or more waterbirds and dispose of carcasses safely. Rubber gloves, masks, and double-bagging are recommended for handling dead birds.

HPAI, which spreads through bird-to-bird contact and contaminated surfaces, remains highly contagious among wild waterfowl and deadly to domestic poultry. Although the risk to humans is low, public caution is critical to slowing its spread and protecting local wildlife, poultry operations, and pets. For ongoing updates and reporting resources, visit the Iowa DNR website or the USDA HPAI tracking page. Simply by paying attention to our feathered friends, residents can play a vital role in minimizing the impact of this year’s bird flu outbreak across Iowa, Illinois, and beyond.