Illinois has been declared free of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle by the United States Department of Agriculture. This achievement comes after collaboration between state agencies, local farms, and agricultural organizations to protect the state’s vital dairy supply. While the threat to dairy herds appears under control, health officials caution residents to avoid handling dead waterfowl, particularly as migration season brings increased bird movement through the region. Continued monitoring and cooperation remain crucial to safeguarding both animal and public health, as authorities work to prevent any future outbreaks in livestock.
“Public health truly excels through the power of partnership,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We, at IDPH, are grateful for our colleagues at the Illinois Department of Agriculture and at our local health departments, who worked with us to provide information, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other resources to protect dairy cattle and the people who work with them. We also appreciate the efforts of partners like the Illinois Farm Bureau and dairy farm operators who went the extra mile to keep our dairy supply safe. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to keep our Illinois residents safe and protected.”
“Illinois farmers are on the front lines managing the safety of our food supply chain,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Our collaborative work across agencies and our commitment to take swift, science-based action has kept our dairy herds safe and our food supply secure to date. This designation by USDA reflects the vigilance and dedication of our farm families and the strength of our biosecurity efforts statewide.”
“Our priority is protecting the health of both farmers and their livestock,” said Brian Duncan, Illinois Farm Bureau President. “By working with state and local partners to provide PPE and guidance, we are helping dairy farmers take proactive steps to reduce risk and maintain confidence in their operations.”
More information on H5N1 avian influenza can be found on the IDPH website at H5N1 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and H5N1 Toolkit.
