The outbreak at Baker’s Lake appears to be the first large die-off of wild birds from the disease in Illinois, Anchor said. The state pathologist confirmed that seven double-crested cormorants discovered dead at the rookery tested positive for avian flu, he said.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/environment/ct-dead-birds-avian-flu-illinois-20220414-mp6rsls54ndpbl7ylh5zz6hzrm-story.html

Edited September 28, 20224 yr by niman

Hundreds of birds found dead, likely from avian flu, at Baker’s Lake near Barrington. ‘I’ve never seen anything like this.’

By SHERYL DEVORE

CHICAGO TRIBUNE |

APR 14, 2022 AT 9:22 AM

 

Avian flu has likely killed hundreds of double-crested cormorants nesting at Baker’s Lake near Barrington.

Wildlife biologist Chris Anchor said this is the largest outbreak of disease in wild birds he’s seen in Cook County.

“I’ve never seen anything like this since I started working here 41 years ago,” said Anchor, of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. “Chances are this is happening in other places, and we’re not aware of it because no one is looking.”

The outbreak, which affects wild, backyard and commercial bird populations, was likely caused by the same highly infectious strain of avian flu that is sweeping the country.

Anchor collected the birds a few days ago after wading into the lake near the rookery where he discovered hundreds dead, some of them floating among the cattails and vegetation.

Though bird flu typically does not infect people, there have been some rare cases of human infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anchor cautioned the public to avoid getting near or touching wild birds that look sick or are dead, especially aquatic birds and birds of prey.

Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo and other institutions recently brought their birds in exhibits indoors to protect them from wild birds that may be passing along the disease. “It’s a precaution,” Anchor said.

map update

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1E2wqF61M_F0pc9zOvoEs075hbeDW_Lot&ll=42.14350536493783%2C-88.12755404028077&z=14

Illinois

Cook

4/14/2022

EA/AM H5N1

Cormorant (unidentified)

Wild bird mortality Forest Preserve Dist of Cook County

 

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-wild-birds

map update

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1E2wqF61M_F0pc9zOvoEs075hbeDW_Lot&ll=42.14228520323664%2C-88.13638084557553&z=14