Extension Notebook: The fall migration is on

I know this is going to sound like a broken record, but I thought I would remind everyone who is raising and keeping poultry — either in their back yard or on their property— that the fall 2026 migration of migratory waterfowl has begun. Ducks and geese are making their way back down south for the winter, and everyone should know that these birds can carry the bird flu virus and deposit it in areas that they fly by along their migration path.

About a year ago, I wrote an article that dealt with the continuing incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, which is still a problem in Illinois and the U.S. The virus has been circulating among waterfowl and wild birds since February 2022. This year alone, poultry producers have had to depopulate many farms. Some of the numbers are as follows: commercial laying hens, 16.6 million; commercial pullets, 3.2 million; commercial turkeys, 1.9 million; upland game birds, 59,500; and small flock poultry 64,000.

Recently as of last week, there was a positive occurrence of HPAI in Illinois. So, I just want to remind poultry producers to make sure that biosecurity practices are strictly followed. As mentioned last fall, HPAI is a respiratory disease that affects all types of poultry. This time of year, migrating birds fly from the north to the south along specific pathways. Here in Illinois they use the Mississippi Flyway as the route for their migration.

Some of the recognized biosecurity measures include watching out for migratory waterfowl near the location of your poultry. Also, make sure that the access area for a flock outdoors be kept clean. There are many other biosecurity items to follow, as well.

Flock owners, managers or veterinarians should report any unusual findings in domestic poultry — such as increase in mortality, decrease in water consumption, decrease in egg production, or respiratory signs including coughing and sneezing — immediately to the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-782-4944 or the USDA at 866-536-7593.

Ken Koelkebeck, Ph.D., is a Poultry Extension Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois.