U of I wildlife clinic reports 'surge' in bird flu

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- After seeing a surge of waterfowl infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza -- or bird flu -- in the past week, the University of Illinois' Wildlife Medical Clinic is urging community members to avoid contact with sick or dead birds.

Bird flu can cause severe illness in humans and domestic animals. Symptoms have ranged from mild respiratory problems, pink eye, and gastrointestinal problems, to severe respiratory distress. The wildlife clinic said that you should avoid letting pets interact with or ingest any wildlife carcass.

You should also avoid giving your pets foods with raw ingredients; pets can become infected with bird flu after eating raw meat or unpasteurized milk from infected birds or cows.

If you encounter five or more dead birds, repor