Environment
Whether you're managing your family's farm or you're an avid supporter of greenspaces in urban areas, interest in expanding our understanding of the natural environment has never been higher. With an increased focus on sustainability, safety, and innovation, what we know about shepherding our energy and environmental resources has evolved rapidly in the past decade. If you've got questions about best practices in environmental stewardship, you'll appreciate that our information is based on peer-reviewed science - the gold standard in determining the credibility and reliability of information.
West Nile Virus
West Nile virus was first identified in Illinois in September 2001 when laboratory tests confirmed its presence in two dead crows found in the Chicago metropolitan area. In 2002, birds, mosquitoes and horses in 100 of the state's 102 counties were reported positive for West Nile virus and the first human cases and deaths from West Nile virus illness in Illinois were reported in August 2002. By the end of the year, the state lead the nation with more than 800 human cases and 62 deaths.
Living with Whitetail Deer
The two most prevalent wildlife diseases impacting Illinois deer are chronic wasting disease and epizootic hemorrhagic disease. CWD is a persistent disease that can have significant negative consequences for the deer population if left unmanaged.