What the state’s own agencies say, with sources. Not legal advice.
Avian flu rules for backyard flocks in Illinois
The Illinois Department of Agriculture says owners of privately kept poultry who see signs of avian influenza should report them to the department or to USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. It notes that sudden death and a rise in flock deaths are often the only sign, with breathing trouble and neurological signs also possible. The state veterinarian encourages keeping birds indoors to avoid contact with wild birds and their droppings. The agency also advises reviewing biosecurity, keeping feed and water away from wild birds, and discouraging wild waterfowl from gathering on the premises.
Checked 2026-10-22 · agr.illinois.gov
Finding an avian vet in Illinois
The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana runs a Zoological Medicine service for non-traditional pets. Its page names backyard chickens and ducks among the birds it enjoys seeing, and describes annual and wellness care plus nutrition and husbandry consultations, vaccinations and parasite control. Owners with questions about whether their bird can be seen can call the service at 217-244-2555. Call ahead to confirm current avian staffing and appointment availability.
Checked 2026-10-22 · vetmed.illinois.edu
State contacts
For sick or dead privately owned poultry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture lists 217-782-4944 and USDA APHIS Veterinary Services lists 1-866-536-7593. The department's poultry page treats domesticated waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans as poultry, and says animals showing disease signs should be reported to state or federal animal health officials right away. It also points owners to their herd veterinarian, the State Veterinarian, or the USDA Area Veterinarian in Charge. The page lists a slightly different number in one section, so verify before calling.
Checked 2026-10-22 · agr.illinois.gov
