The 21st Show

Avian Flu outbreaks in Illinois

Produced by Erica Scalise
 
In this Oct. 21, 2015, file photo, cage-free chickens walk in a fenced pasture at an organic farm near Waukon, Iowa. Some farmers are wondering if it's OK that eggs sold as free-range come from chickens being kept inside. It's a question that arises lately as farmers try to be open about their product while also protecting chickens from a highly infectious bird flu that has killed roughly 28 million poultry across the country.

In this Oct. 21, 2015, file photo, cage-free chickens walk in a fenced pasture at an organic farm near Waukon, Iowa. Some farmers are wondering if it's OK that eggs sold as free-range come from chickens being kept inside. It's a question that arises lately as farmers try to be open about their product while also protecting chickens from a highly infectious bird flu that has killed roughly 28 million poultry across the country. AP Photo/Charles Neibergall, File

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Humans aren’t the only ones who’ve had to quarantine in the hopes of avoiding a potentially deadly virus. A highly contagious strain of avian flu is decimating flocks of birds across the U.S., forcing farmers of both domestic and commercial flocks to attempt to contain the spread.

With approximately 31 million birds dead, the strain has hit 1-in-10 egg-laying hens across 29 states. The mortality rate among chickens is 90-100% and often within 48 hours according to the CDC. 

Here in Illinois, the Department of Natural Resources is recommending feeders and baths be removed from homes and backyards through the end of May or until the flu subsides in the Midwest. This is just one of the many solutions wildlife experts are advising to minimize the virus’ threat.

We were joined by the State Veterinarian and the director of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors to talk about the outbreak and its impact on Illinois. 

GUESTS:

Dr. Mark Ernst

State Veterinarian and Division Manager for Food Safety and Animal Protection, Illinois Department of Agriculture

Annette Prince

Director, Chicago Bird Collision Monitors

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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