Louisiana: Bird flu in wild birds 2022-2026

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.kplctv.com/2022/10/31/bird-flu-discovered-swla-waterfowl/

Bird flu discovered in SWLA waterfowl
By Jakob Evans
Published: Oct. 31, 2022 at 4:48 PM EDT|Updated: 15 hours ago

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - The National Veterinary Services Laboratory discovered Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in southwest Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Center for Disease Control considers bird flu a low risk for public health, but recommends avoiding contact with infected birds, LDWF said...

 

[Pathfinder]

LDWF Discovers H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus in Waterfowl

OCTOBER 31 2022

CONSERVATIONHUNTING
Trey Iles Baton Rouge

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus, or bird flu, was discovered in blue-winged teal in southwest Louisiana.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory has confirmed H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in southwest Louisiana. Additionally, several captive birds have died from HPAI in northeast Louisiana.

HPAI has been detected in wild birds, domestic poultry, or both in 49 states and resulted in the death of over 3,000 wild birds and nearly 48 million domestic birds (poultry). Waterfowl can become sick and die from the disease, however, many birds are carriers that do not show clinical signs. LDWF routinely investigates reports of sick or dead bird events if large numbers are impacted.

The Center for Disease Control considers H5N1 HPAI a low risk for public health. While the virus presents a low risk to humans, it is important to avoid contact with sick birds. Also, be mindful that hunting equipment may transport the virus. If you hunt waterfowl and have backyard poultry, plan for added biosecurity measures (http://www.bah.state.mn.us/media/HPAI-Notice-Backyard-Final.pdf) to keep your flock healthy.

Some general safety guidelines for hunters and others handling wildlife and their tissues include:

• Do not handle or eat sick game.
• Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear rubber or disposable nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game.
• When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant and clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that were exposed to game with hot soapy water and a 10% bleach solution.
• Do not eat, drink or consume tobacco products while handling animals.
• All game should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165° F.
• Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
• Hunters should not feed organs, viscera or carcasses to retrievers or leave carcasses to be consumed by other wildlife.

Some other protective measures include:

• As a general rule, observe wild birds from a distance, do not attempt to handle wild animals. Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died.
• People who work with poultry and wild birds should receive the annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This action reduces the potential for genetic changes in avian influenza, which may render the virus more apt to infect people, thus increasing the potential of pandemic influenza.

For more information, contact LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. James LaCour at jlacour@wlf.la.gov or LDWF Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Rusty Berry at rberry@wlf.la.gov.

https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/...pathogenic-avian-influenza-virus-in-waterfowl

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.kplctv.com/2022/12/07/calcasieu-wild-birds-test-positive-bird-flu/

Calcasieu wild birds test positive for bird flu
By Jakob Evans
Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 3:41 PM EST|Updated: 14 hours ago

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Wild birds in Calcasieu Parish have tested positive for H5NI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Bird flu is a low risk for public health, but it is important to avoid contact with sick birds, LDWF said.

Bird flu was initially discovered in October in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal...

 

[Pathfinder]

Additional Birds Diagnosed with Avian Influenza Detected in Louisiana, LDWF Announces

DECEMBER 07 2022

Trey Iles Baton Rouge

Several captive birds in northeast Louisiana have died from H5NI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. The disease also was discovered and confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) in October in hunter-harvested blue-winged teal in southwest Louisiana.

Birds from Avoyelles, Calcasieu, Morehouse, Ouachita and Richland parishes have tested positive.

HPAI has been detected in wild birds, domestic poultry, or both in 49 states and resulted in the death of over 3,000 wild birds and nearly 48 million domestic birds (poultry). Waterfowl can become sick and die from the disease, however, many birds are carriers that do not show clinical signs. LDWF routinely investigates reports of sick or dead bird events if large numbers are impacted. Waterfowl species and pelicans are among the birds that the disease is affecting.

The Center for Disease Control considers H5N1 HPAI a low risk for public health. While the virus presents a low risk to humans, it is important to avoid contact with sick birds. Also, be mindful that hunting equipment may transport the virus. If you hunt waterfowl and have backyard poultry, plan for added biosecurity measures (http://www.bah.state.mn.us/media/HPAI-Notice-Backyard-Final.pdf) to keep your flock healthy.

Some general safety guidelines for hunters and others handling wildlife and their tissues include:

• Do not handle or eat sick game.
• Field dress and prepare game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Wear rubber or disposable nitrile gloves while handling and cleaning game.
• When done handling game, wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfectant and clean knives, equipment, and surfaces that were exposed to game with hot soapy water and a 10% bleach solution.
• Do not eat, drink or consume tobacco products while handling animals.
• All game should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165° F.
• Avoid contact with surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from wild or domestic birds.
• Hunters should not feed organs, viscera or carcasses to retrievers or leave carcasses to be consumed by other wildlife.

Some other protective measures include:

• As a general rule, observe wild birds from a distance, do not attempt to handle wild animals. Avoid contact with domestic birds (poultry) that appear ill or have died.
• People who work with poultry and wild birds should receive the annual influenza (flu) vaccine. This action reduces the potential for genetic changes in avian influenza, which may render the virus more apt to infect people, thus increasing the potential of pandemic influenza.

LDWF is continuing to monitor for HPAI throughout the state.

Other sources of information concerning HPAI can be found at the following links:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Avian Influenza: https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS): https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publicati...ai_hunters.pdf

USGS National Wildlife Health Center: https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/e...vian-influenza

USDA APHIS: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/publicati...ent-ai.508.pdf

For more information, contact LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. James LaCour at jlacour@wlf.la.gov or LDWF Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Rusty Berry at rberry@wlf.la.gov.

https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/...nfluenza-detected-in-louisiana-ldwf-announces

 

[Pathfinder]

LDWF: Avian Flu Outbreak Continues in Wild Birds in Louisiana for Second Straight Year

DECEMBER 12 2023

Trey Iles Baton Rouge

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is once again causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) said. The disease started last year with the arrival of infected migratory waterfowl to Louisiana and abated when they moved north in the spring of 2023.

This year’s fall migrations have created a resurgence of HPAI-induced waterfowl disease in Louisiana.

Many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI and may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Mammals are, for the most part, resistant to H5N1 HPAI but rare fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, foxes, black bears and even dolphins. It should be noted that while many waterfowl hunting dogs contact birds with HPAI, no dog infections have been reported in Louisiana. Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may touch infected should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Once again, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF: Hammond Office: 985-543-4777, Lake Charles Office 337-491-2575, Lafayette Office 337-262-2080, Minden Office 318-371-3050, Monroe Office 318-343-4044, Pineville Office 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found on the following websites:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm

https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza

For more information or questions, please contact State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. James M. LaCour at jlacour@wlf.la.gov or Assistant State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Rusty Berry at rberry@wlf.la.gov​

https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/...hogenic Avian Influenza,in the spring of 2023.

 

[Pathfinder]

Avian flu spreading in Louisiana, wildlife experts report

Colin Campo
Houma Courier-Thibodaux Daily Comet
Published 4:07 a.m. CT Jan. 05, 2024
...
H5N1, a strain of avian influenza, has returned to the state for the second year in a row. It's been carried in by migratory birds and threatens both ducks and domesticated poultry, experts warn. Evidence of the outbreak is anecdotal, based on calls and veterinarian findings, because these numbers aren't tracked well.
...
"That's the biggest unknown of this thing is nobody knows," Research Program Manager for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Paul Link said of the exact numbers. "It looks like it's mostly affecting the juveniles, though it's higher this winter. It's the same strain that's affecting the birds again this year as last year, which is a first for any of these outbreaks."
...
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries suggest avoiding potentially ill birds or their remains.
...
"If you want to dispose of it, just make sure you dispose of it with gloves, and maybe, you know, a lot of people still have masks leftover from COVID that they could use," Berry said. "You have to remember how these viruses work, I mean they are constantly replicating… so the issue is that a person can get it and then, well, it starts replicating in people. That's when an epidemic or pandemic can happen."
...

https://www.houmatoday.com/story/ne...ouisiana-wildlife-experts-report/72030838007/

 

[Pathfinder]

Avian flu detected in Bayou St. John and across the state, officials say

By Rob Masson
Published: Jan. 9, 2024 at 4:20 PM CST|Updated: 15 hours ago

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - More than two dozen dead birds have appeared along the banks of Bayou St. John in New Orleans, sparking concerns over the presence of avian flu.

Brooke Brown says she has collected 26 dead birds over a recent six-day stretch from the lagoons of City Park and Bayou St. John. Mostly geese and ducks, she sent samples to the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) says one of the birds tested positive for a strain of avian flu, adding to around 150 cases statewide.
...
Brown tries to remove as many dead birds as she can to reduce the risk of transmission to other birds or mammals.

‘It’s not just the birds, I want to protect everything that eats carcasses and protect the crows. But I can’t do it all this is too big for me,” said Brown. “There doesn’t seem to be a system in place for helping the dying geese or removing the bodies.”
...
https://www.fox8live.com/2024/01/09/avian-flu-detected-bayou-st-john-across-state-officials-say/

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[Pathfinder]

ORLEANS PARISH

Almost 30 dead birds found along Bayou St. John in New Orleans

by: Kenny Lopez
Posted: Jan 10, 2024 / 07:48 PM CST
Updated: Jan 11, 2024 / 07:32 AM CST

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) —
...
Brooke Brown lives near Bayou St. John, and in the last few weeks, she discovered dozens of dead birds along the bayou.
...
The birds are a health concern for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. They report that one dead goose from Bayou St. John tested positive for avian flu.
...
In regard to picking up the birds, State Wildlife Veterinarian James LaCour said in a statement to WGNO News:

“Authority/responsibility pertinent to picking up carcasses is variable. Cases in the wild involving wild waterfowl do fall under LDWF’s purview. Disposition of carcasses varies by location, extent of mortality event, and causative disease. Municipal areas with domesticated waterfowl, including all birds being artificially fed, are a different situation and usually that responsibility falls upon the municipality. Obviously, there are gray areas in this answer with some situations having overlapping authorities. Overall, the HPAI mortality event across the state is winding down. When the majority of migratory waterfowl leave the state in February/March very few cases will be observed after that.”

Regarding the dead birds, Keith Claverie with City Park City Park Conservancy said, “City Park Conservancy protocol calls for the prompt removal of animal remains from Park grounds once reported. The CPC sanitation team handles as they would any other hazardous situation properly fitted with the appropriate safety and biohazard gear.”
...

https://wgno.com/news/louisiana/orl...rds-found-along-bayou-st-john-in-new-orleans/

 

[Pathfinder]

6 hours ago -
News

Louisiana maintains clean avian flu record despite worst nationwide outbreak on record

Chelsea Brasted

It's been nearly two years since the start of the worst avian flu outbreak on record — but Louisiana has avoided any commercial or backyard flock infections.

Why it matters: Only one other state — West Virginia — has managed this feat, even as more than 80 million birds have been impacted nationwide since the start of the outbreak in February 2022, according to USDA data.
...
The disease has been detected in about 150 wild birds around the state, the TV station reported.
But in Louisiana, farmers have managed to keep wild infections out of the more than 300 commercial and backyard flocks, says Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain.

The state has tested more than 70,000 samples since the outbreak started, Strain tells Axios New Orleans, and certified 79 backyard flocks as being flu-free.
...
The big picture: It helps that Louisiana isn't on the major path for Canadian birds heading South, Strain says, as birds typically fly through Texas to avoid crossing the Gulf of Mexico. That helps prevent wild infections from landing here.
...
https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/01/23/louisiana-avian-flu-outbreak-statistics-data

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: August 20, 2024
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana Livingston Parish 11/21/2023 8/14/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Canada goose Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana Ouachita Parish 12/11/2023 8/14/2024 EA/AM H5N1 Snow goose Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana Ouachita Parish 12/14/2023 8/14/2024 EA H5N1 Snow goose Wild bird Morbidity/Mortality
...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Commonground]

Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Causing Mortality in Wild Birds in Louisiana, LDWF Announces

​December 10, 2024
H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is again causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. This year’s fall migrations have created a resurgence of HPAI-induced waterfowl disease in Louisiana.​



Many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI. Many wild birds recover from infection and develop immunity to a particular strain of AI, but others may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Mammals are, for the most part, resistant to H5N1 HPAI but rare fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, foxes, black bears and even dolphins. It should be noted that while many waterfowl hunting dogs contact birds with HPAI, no dog infections have been reported in Louisiana. Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may have come in contact with the disease should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Once again, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices. The contact information for these offices is as follows: Hammond Office, 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office, 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office, 337-262-2080; Minden Office, 318-371-3050; Monroe Office, 318-343-4044; Pineville Office, 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found on the following websites:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm

https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza

​https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/...ity-in-wild-birds-in-louisiana-ldwf-announces

 

[Pathfinder]

​
Richland Parish, Louisiana
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richland_Parish,_Louisiana
------------------------------------------

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: January 28, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method​

Louisiana

Richland

1/7/2025

1/22/2025

EA H5

Mallard

Wild bird

Hunter harvest

​
...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: February 11, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird

Louisiana	Cameron	11/25/2024	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	1/18/2025	1/31/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Jefferson	1/6/2025	1/24/2025	EA H5	Mallard	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

​
...
​https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: May 07, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Cameron	12/12/2024	5/2/2025	EA H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	Cameron	12/12/2024	5/2/2025	EA H5N1	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Live bird
Louisiana	East Baton Rouge	12/13/2024	5/1/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Lesser scaup	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana	Vermilion	1/30/2025	2/10/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Vermilion	1/30/2025	2/10/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Vermilion	1/30/2025	2/10/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Vermilion	1/28/2025	2/10/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Vermilion	1/28/2025	2/10/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	1/25/2025	2/10/2025	EA H5	Eurasian wigeon	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

​
...
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: August 06, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Orleans	1/27/2025	7/11/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Vulture (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana	Jefferson	1/19/2025	7/11/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Duck (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana	Jefferson	1/19/2025	7/11/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Duck (unidentified)	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana	Vermilion	11/9/2024	5/29/2025	EA/AM H5N1	Northern shoveler	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

​
Cameron Parish, Louisiana
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Parish,_Louisiana
​-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: October 08, 2025​
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Cameron	9/22/2025	10/6/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	9/22/2025	10/6/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	9/22/2025	10/6/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	9/22/2025	10/6/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	9/22/2025	10/6/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 02, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Cameron	11/15/2025	11/24/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	11/15/2025	11/24/2025	EA H5	Lesser scaup	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	11/15/2025	11/24/2025	EA H5	Blue-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Cameron	11/17/2025	11/24/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Jefferson	10/24/2025	11/21/2025	EA H5	Canada goose	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Louisiana	Vernon	11/12/2025	11/21/2025	EA H5	Ross's goose	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

​

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: December 09, 2025
...
State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Louisiana	Richland	11/22/2025	12/8/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest
Louisiana	Ouachita	11/24/2025	12/4/2025	EA H5	Green-winged teal	Wild bird	Hunter harvest

​...

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

 

[Pathfinder]

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LDWF: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Causing Mortality in Wild Birds in Louisiana

December 19 2025

Trey Iles Baton Rouge

H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is causing mortalities in wild birds in Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced. Most mortalities have been detected in southwest Louisiana.

This year’s fall migrations have created a resurgence of HPAI-induced disease in waterfowl and other birds in Louisiana.

Many different species of wild birds can be infected with HPAI. Geese and other waterfowl are particularly susceptible to HPAI. Many wild birds recover from infection and develop immunity to a particular strain of AI, but others may exhibit neurological symptoms, which ultimately lead to the death of the bird. Scavenging raptors, including vultures, are also susceptible to the disease.

Although public health officials consider this strain of HPAI to be of minimal threat to humans, sick birds should not be handled. Additionally, as this disease is highly contagious to other wild birds and domestic poultry, sick birds should not be comingled with other birds.

Although uncommon, fatal infections have been documented in dogs, cats, foxes and even dolphins. For information pertaining to infections in domestic pets and livestock, refer to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Contact between pets and birds showing neurologic signs should be avoided.

Wildlife rehabilitators should be careful not to bring potentially HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities to prevent introduction and spread of the disease within the facility. Clothing and other objects, or even seemingly healthy waterfowl, which may have come in contact with the disease should be washed thoroughly and kept away from other birds, especially domestic poultry.

Once again, sick birds should not be handled and no bird exhibiting signs of disease or found dead should be utilized for human consumption.

Sick or dead birds should be reported to regional LDWF offices. The contact information for these offices is as follows: Hammond Office, 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office, 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office, 337-262-2080; Minden Office, 318-371-3050; Monroe Office, 318-343-4044; Pineville Office, 318-487-5885.

More information about HPAI may be found at the CDC’s bird flu webpage and at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service avian influenza webpage.

​https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/...-causing-mortality-in-wild-birds-in-louisiana

 

[Pathfinder]

Avian flu detected in migratory birds in SWLA

Wildlife officials report “heavy mortality” in snow geese, urging both duck and goose hunters to watch for signs

By Devin Cruice
Published: Dec. 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM CST|Updated: 13 hours ago

CAMERON PARISH, La. —...

“They’re coming down through the Mississippi Flyway, Cameron Parish, right? I would say most of the hunter harvest positives we have had been from, from Cameron Parish,” Dr. Jonathan Roberts, state wildlife veterinarian for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, said.

Roberts said the state has seen a significant number of bird flu cases over the past couple of years. Currently, officials are observing “heavy mortality” in snow geese from the virus.
...
Local hunter Connor Jacobs described finding an infected bird in his decoys.

“We just walked out into our fields going to fix decoys, and there was just a snow goose sitting in our decoys. Walked up to it, and he didn’t run, didn’t fly. It just looked like a zombie,” Jacobs said.

...

https://www.kplctv.com/2025/12/20/avian-flu-detected-migratory-birds-swla/