Research and Reports

Research

Each year the Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control issues a summary of research conducted in partnership with the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, University of Illinois Zoological Pathology Program and the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 

Some highlights from the 2023 Environmental Research Initiative Group Annual Report include:

Urban Otter project: Otters have returned to Cook County and this first of its kind study highlights efforts to document the basic biology of this new mammal species, which has the potential of carrying rabies.

Coyote study: This study that began in 2000 is the longest study of its kind nationally and shows the leadership role that Cook County has played in documenting this mammal species and how coyotes potentially affect the residents of the County.

Zoonotic Disease Surveillance- Disease surveillance is a critical component of ongoing wildlife management and has a multitude of benefits for public health. Many human infectious diseases have wildlife reservoirs and can be passed from animal to human. Diseases monitored in 2023 include leptospirosis, highly pathogenic avian influenza, chronic wasting disease and others.

The full report can be found under the downloads section to the right.