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Kadoodle Farm looses 3,000 hens after Illinois bird flu outbreak
 
By TIM ALEXANDER
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The family who owned an Illinois poultry farm have been left wondering how they’ll recover after highly pathogenic avian influenza — HPAI — devastated their operation. Kadoodle Farm, located in Matteson, Illinois, lost its flock of nearly 3,000 hens.
WAND-TV reported that owners MariKate and Marty Thomas were first tipped off when they walked into their coop and discovered that about 30 hens had died without symptoms. Initially crediting freezing weather to the deaths, the couple were shocked to discover as many as 90 dead birds the following day. USDA officials arrived at the farm Friday, January 24 and later that day confirmed that the birds were stricken with HPAI. The flock was a total loss. 
USDA officials told the couple their flock was likely infected by wild birds getting into the chicken feed. Since 2020, Kadoodle Farm has served as an online farmers market delivering organic, chemical-free produce to their customers. 
The late-January outbreak at Kadoodle Farms came just weeks after the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued a news release stating that animal scientists were monitoring large events of waterfowl mortality at numerous locations throughout the state. Tests pinpointed HPAI as the cause of the deaths. As a result, state officials cautioned the public against handling dead birds and warned about the potential for human contamination.
“While avian influenza generally poses a low risk to the population, it is essential to take the necessary steps to avoid exposure, and to seek treatment quickly if you are exposed,” said Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We encourage all Illinoisans to follow the advice of the experts at IDNR in order to avoid contact with sick birds, and to take any potential exposure seriously. These common-sense steps can help reduce the likelihood of spreading this illness.”
Dogs and other pets should also be kept away from the carcasses of birds that may have died from HPAI. If carcasses need to be disposed of, the IDPH recommends the use of disposable waterproof gloves and-or an inverted plastic bag to pick up the carcasses. Double the plastic bag with the bird(s) inside and dispose of it in the trash where it cannot be accessed by children or animals.
IDPH further recommends that if five or more deceased birds are found at a single location, notify the local health department or contact an IDNR wildlife biologist.
People who may have handled infected birds have the option of seeking antiviral medications after exposures to prevent illness, according to the IDPH. 
“If the public develops any symptoms of the “flu” – fever, cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, body aches, headaches, eye redness, vomiting or diarrhea – after exposure to sick or dead birds, please notify the local health department immediately. Upon seeking medical attention, please let any health care facility know of your exposure. Treatment must be started within two days of illness for it to be most effective, so the public is urged to not delay seeking care,” the IDPH recommends. 
As of January 27, 2025 there had been no reported human cases of HPAI in Illinois, though human infections have been confirmed in neighboring states. 
Illinois State Veterinarian Mark Ernst urged poultry owners to be vigilant in taking measures to prevent the spread of HPAI among small and large poultry flocks in Illinois. “The Illinois Department of Agriculture encourages poultry owners to be aware of the risk, increase biosecurity measures and prevent contact with wild birds,” said Ernst. “In addition, we encourage poultry owners to report unusually large mortalities in their flocks and to be aware of IDPH’s recommendations regarding exposure to sick birds.”
Kadoodle Farm has established a Go Fund Me page which, as of press time, had garnered $41,600 in support of rebuilding their flock; the goal is $45,000. A message on the farm’s website on Friday, January 31 stated the following: 
“Friends, thank you all so much for the overwhelming support during this time. It truly means the world to us and reminds us how, together, we are building something truly special. Kakadoodle is more than just an online marketplace—it’s a community, a movement toward healthier food. We are grateful for each of you and excited for whatever God has in store for us next!”
A message sent to Kadoodle Farm via the farm’s website portal seeking comment was not returned by press time.




2/3/2025