Bird Flu Outbreak Among Lake Michigan Ducks

The Chicago Bird Collision Monitors have reported a growing bird flu outbreak along Lake Michigan, particularly affecting red-breasted merganser ducks that migrate to Chicago for the winter. Symptoms of the H5N1 bird flu include tremors, weakness, respiratory issues, and diarrhea. Infected birds are being found dead or struggling to move along beaches from Hyde Park to Wilmette, with many of them succumbing to the virus. Additionally, crows and gulls are also showing signs of infection.

Conservation volunteers have been cleaning up the affected birds, but no official cleanup process is in place. The virus, which has led to the euthanasia of over 148 million birds nationwide since it arrived in 2022, has caused significant economic impacts on local farms.

The Bird Collision Monitors have advised the public not to handle sick birds and to keep pets away from them. The Chicago Park District is working with various partners to remove carcasses from public areas. While the virus rarely affects dogs, they can still contract it, so pet owners are urged to be cautious when walking near infected birds. The outbreak is expected to subside with warmer spring temperatures.

Read the article on CBS News.

Photo credit: Dan Gunderson, MPR News