A health crisis has unfolded along Lake Michigan’s shores in the Chicago area as hundreds of ducks infected with avian influenza have been found. The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM), a volunteer conservation project, reported that the bird flu outbreak poses a serious threat to migratory birds this winter.
The outbreak began in December and has since spread from suburbs to city areas, affecting geese, hawks, owls, and at least one eagle, in addition to ducks. According to CBCM Director Annette Prince, the conservation group received many calls over the past weekend about sick or dead ducks, with reports of a red-breasted merganser being particularly affected.
The virus has also had devastating effects on poultry farms across the country, with nearly 150 million birds infected and thousands of chickens lost. The situation is dire for small-scale farmers, who are struggling to cope with the economic impact.
Prince believes that the winter weather plays a significant role in the spread of bird flu, which survives well in cold temperatures but not at room temperature or above. As spring approaches, she hopes that the virus will diminish in the wild population and threats will subside.
The Chicago Department of Public Health advises against approaching sick or dead birds, particularly pets and children, and recommends reporting such sightings to Animal Control or the Health Department. For more information, visit the DuPage County Health Department’s page on avian influenza.
Source: https://wgntv.com/news/chicago-news/hundreds-of-ducks-found-sick-or-dead-of-suspected-bird-flu-along-lake-michigan-local-conservation-group-reports