DuPage County animal services adds full‑time veterinarian, readies facility repairs and public outreach as bird‑flu precautions continue

DuPage County Animal Services confirmed a new full‑time veterinarian and described ongoing precautions for avian influenza while updating the board on shelter population, construction timelines and an April fundraising gala.

The advisory board said Dr. Kristen has joined full time after covering relief shifts; Dr. Susan Brown served earlier as interim deputy administrator veterinarian. Laura Winnie, a staff member who spoke at the meeting, said the shelter population is down and staff remain focused on intake and isolation procedures as a precaution against avian influenza and other contagious illnesses.

"It's a nasal swab right now, an oral nasal swab," Dr. Kristen said when asked how testing for avian influenza would be conducted. Winnie told the board, "We are finally under a 100 animals in our care, which is a critical thing."

Why it matters: hiring a permanent veterinarian affects day‑to‑day medical decisions for animals in care and the shelter's ability to respond to disease risk. The board said staff have been coordinating with outside agencies and will emphasize staff training, partner communication and public messaging on when to report sick or dead waterfowl.

Board and staff updates - Staffing and medical oversight: The board welcomed Dr. Kristen as a full‑time veterinarian; Dr. Susan Brown had served as interim deputy administrator veterinarian during the hiring process. Dr. Kristen summarized her background in shelter medicine and…