Dead birds wash up on Lake Michigan shore; bird flu concerns rise

MILWAUKEE - Concerns over bird flu are spreading.

Lake Michigan incident

What we know:

Dead birds are lining the Lake Michigan shoreline in Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources said the incident is likely linked to the ongoing avian flu outbreak.

Local perspective:

Danielle Rhodes says she has a personal rule: she won't go a day without laying eyes on Lake Michigan.

"Just watching the water and people and birds, everything," Rhodes said. "I like the lake, it helps me concentrate."

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

A calmness that has become a concern.

Experts weigh in

What they're saying:

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reported an uptick in the highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

"Closer to Milwaukee we understand there are reports of dead ducks that have washed up. Most in Milwaukee County, a few near Racine and Kenosha," said Jasmine Batten, DNR Wildlife Health Section Supervisor. "It’s been relatively low numbers. A few dozen, maybe. In terms of reports right now. Certainly that could be a result of aviary influenza, but we do not know yet."

The DNR said a confirmed case was detected in Racine County.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Humane Society said many species can be affected, but the disease is hitting mergansers hard.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android

"They are flying down along the lake right now so that’s where we see those big groups and that’s where we are suspecting it is HPIA," said Mary Landry with the Wisconsin Humane Society. "We have been getting reports about the red-breasted merganser which we have gotten eight into our facility so far."

What you can do:

The Wisconsin Humane Society says if you find a sick or injured bird, contact its Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 414-431-6204.