Due to the low risk of H5N1 (Avian Flu) the Mercer County Health Department will not be collecting dead birds for testing this year.
- H5N1 has been detected in Illinois in dead birds that have been collected. As of today, there has been no confirmed cases in humans and the risk is very low but precautions still need to be taken.
- If you find 1-4 dead birds on your property please put on gloves, put the birds in a garbage bag, tie it off and dispose of them in your outside garbage can. Do not touch the birds with your bare hands. Use gloves or a shovel to put the birds in the garbage bag.
- If you have 5 or more dead birds, please call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at 309-879-2169. They will advise you of what to do.