ILLINOIS (WCIA) — With bird flu cases rising in the United States, the Illinois Department of Public Health is taking steps that will impact how Illinois health departments track a different disease.

Usually, County Health Departments in Illinois begin collecting dead birds and testing them for West Nile Virus between May and October. This year however, the ongoing spread of bird flu has put that on pause.

“There has been an increase in the bird flu activities, and from my understanding, they’ve noticed it in some livestock herds,” Ford County Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Mark Ecker said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said that to prevent a risk of exposure to bird flu, they are temporarily suspending the collection and testing of dead wild birds for West Nile virus.

“It is on hold for 2025,” Ecker said. “We don’t know about 2026 yet. I guess it’s all going to depend on how serious the bird flu gets or if it backs off any.”

But, the IDPH added, the department will continue to collect and test mosquitoes, which will serve as a way to track the virus in Illinois. The IDPH will also continue to provide advice about West Nile, and other mosquito-borne illnesses to keep Illinoisans safe.

“We’re still going to carry out the mosquito testings, and then the ticks we’ll still gather them and send them in, so none of that is changing,” Ecker said.

Although the public health risk remains low, the IDPH said there are several steps you can take to stay safe. If you stumble across dead birds, especially five or more in one area, call the Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Services at 1-866-487-3297. Multiple dead birds in one area could indicate that bird flu caused their death.

Gloves, goggles, masks and a trash can should be used to dispose of dead birds properly. After the birds have been disposed of, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water, and wash your clothes in a washing machine. For more tips to reduce the risk of bird flu spreading, visit the IDPH’s website.