Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) continues to impact animal health across the U.S.—and Illinois veterinarians play a critical role in early detection, prevention, and education.

In this episode of Veterinary Today, we’re joined by Dr. Staci Slager, DVM, Assistant State Veterinarian and Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare at the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Dr. Slager provides a clear, timely update on the current HPAI landscape in Illinois, including recent backyard flock detections, seasonal migration risks, and what veterinarians should be watching for in both poultry and companion animals.

We also explore emerging concerns beyond birds, including HPAI detections in dairy cattle and serious neurologic disease in cats—highlighting why small animal and mixed-animal veterinarians should keep HPAI on their differential list.

Whether you work with poultry, livestock, pets, or backyard flocks, this episode offers practical insights, surveillance updates, and actionable guidance to help protect animal health statewide.