EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WAND) -- A hawk recently collected in Effingham County has tested positive for avian influenza A.
The Effingham County Health Department said, the bird was collected February 11th in Effingham and submitted for testing at the University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
Right now, the current public health risk is low, but the health department is monitoring the situation.
They said, they are working with local and state partners to assess and respond to exposure risks between people and the affected animal.
Health officials remind you to avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe wild birds only from a distance, whenever possible.
You are also encouraged to not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness.
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