A large number of dead birds were found washed up on beaches along Lake Michigan in Chicago over the weekend and early Monday morning. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, conservation officers received reports of “ducks, red-breasted mergansers, and Canada geese” washing ashore at Oak Street Beach, North Avenue Beach, and Tower Beach in Cook County.
Experts believe the birds died from bird flu, but testing has not been confirmed. The thawing of Lake Michigan is also thought to be a contributing factor. The Chicago Park District has deployed personnel to check all beaches and park lagoons after receiving reports of impacted birds at multiple locations.
Residents are urged not to touch the birds due to risk of contamination. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is tracking “a large event of waterfowl mortality at numerous locations throughout Illinois.” While no commercial flocks or cattle in Illinois have reported detected bird flu cases, the department is taking steps to ensure public safety.
Bird flu is a disease caused by avian influenza A viruses that usually spread between birds. While it can infect humans, the risk remains low, and there has been no documented spread of the virus from person to person. Symptoms typically range from mild to severe, including eye redness, fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle or body aches.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that if you are exposed to bird flu, seek treatment quickly. If your cat is sick with bird flu, watch for signs such as loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, reddened or inflamed eyes, and discharge from the eyes and nose.
Source: https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/health/experts-reveal-why-so-many-dead-birds-are-washing-up-on-lake-michigans-shore/3663972