Overview

• Around 200-300 red-breasted mergansers have been found dead or sick along Lake Michigan's Chicago shoreline in recent days, with bird flu suspected as the cause.
• The outbreak has also affected other species, with reports of infected hawks, owls, and even a flamingo and seal at Lincoln Park Zoo succumbing to the virus.
• Experts are concerned about the virus's potential adaptation to mammals, though human infections remain rare, with 67 cases and one death reported in the U.S. since 2024.
• Residents are being advised to avoid contact with sick or dead birds, and proper precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks, are recommended for safe disposal of carcasses.
• The virus thrives in cold temperatures, raising concerns that the outbreak could persist and potentially spread to additional species in the coming weeks.