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Illinois poultry producers should remain on alert for HPAI

The state veterinarian says Illinois poultry producers should remain on high alert as new cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza are confirmed in neighboring states.

Dr. Mark Ernst tells Brownfield HPAI has not been detected in Illinois yet this fall, but it’s likely only a matter of time.

“I think given our history, I would be surprised if we don’t have some detections here in Illinois. I’m concerned that that we may end up with a repeat of what we’ve had over the last couple of years.”

He says producers should make every effort to keep flocks away from wild birds during migration season.

“If you’ve got birds outdoors, if there’s any possibility of bringing those in and keeping them in as much as possible to reduce exposure to wild birds, wild waterfowl droppings, those types of things, that’s always good.”

Ernst also recommends producers wear clean shoes and outerwear when going into facilities and discourages visits to other poultry farms.

He says during the month of October HPAI was confirmed in 37 commercial and back yard flocks across 12 states. The last confirmed case in Illinois was in March.

Audio: Interview with Dr. Ernst