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- Written by: Matt Wilson - Breese Journal Reporter
Rose Acre Farms on Wesclin Road in Germantown had chickens affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Photos by Matt Wilson More than 934,000 chickens have been lost following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, at a commercial egg-producing facility in Clinton County.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the outbreak was confirmed Monday, Oct. 19, at a commercial table egg-laying operation, where 934,600 birds were affected by HPAI.
Tanya Espinosa with the USDA said that they do not publicly identify HPAI-affected producers, however, a Germantown official confirmed the outbreak occurred at Rose Acre Farms, located on Wesclin Road just outside the Germantown village limits.
HPAI is a severe highly contagious form of avian influenza, most commonly associated with H5N1. It causes mortality in poultry and has been detected in wild birds worldwide.
Large piles of compost contain the remains of chickens following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a Clinton County poultry farm. There is no treatment for HPAI, so infected and exposed birds must be killed to contain the virus.
According to a press release, the Illinois Department of Agriculture was notified of the presence of avian influenza at a commercial poultry facility with just less than one million birds in Clinton County. IDOA has worked closely with state and federal officials to manage the situation, following established protocol for remediation.
While this is the first detection of HPAI in domestic poultry within Illinois this fall, detections are rising throughout the country as wild birds migrate.
Avian flu is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A influenza viruses. The viruses occur naturally and can infect poultry and wild birds. Virus strains are infectious, often fatal to chickens, and can spread rapidly from flock to flock.
With the Nov. 3 General Election just around the corner, Clinton County voters will have plenty of decisions to make as they head to the polls.
From a closely watched race for Illinois governor to contested Clinton County Board seats, voters will decide a wide range of federal, state and local races, along with a public question concerning a proposed new fire station in Wheatfield Township (see related story at right).
Among the races drawing attention is the contest to replace longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement in early 2025.
Three candidates are seeking Durbin's seat: Democrat Juliana Stratton, currently Illinois' lieutenant governor; Republican Don Tracy; and Whitfield Harrington Jr., representing the American Center Party.
In the 12th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Mike Bost faces a challenge from Democrat Julie Fortier.
Five statewide contests
on ballot
At the state level, five contested races will appear on the ballot, with the governor's race expected to draw considerable interest.
Incumbent Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker and his running mate, Christian Mitchell, (who replaces Stratton in this position), face opposition from Republican Darren Bailey and his running mate Aaron B. Del Mar, along with independent candidates Collin Corbett and Carolyn Schofield.
In the race for Illinois attorney general, incumbent Democrat Kwame Raoul faces Republican Robert W. Fioretti.
For secretary of state, incumbent Democrat Alexi Giannoulias is defending his spot against Republican Diane M. Harris. Two newcomers, Democrat Margaret Croke and Republican Bryan Drew, are seeking the state comptroller's position. Incumbent Democrat Susan A. Mendoza is not seeking re-election.
