According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries ( LDWF), H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ( HPAI ) is once again killing wild birds in Louisiana. When infected migrant birds arrived in Louisiana last time, the disease began to spread, but it stopped when they moved north in the springtime of 2023.
Fall migrations this year have sparked a resurgence of HPAI-induced birds condition in Louisiana.
Numerous exotic bird species may be infected with HPAI. Geese and another birds are especially vulnerable to HPAI and may experience neurological symptoms, which eventually result in the bird’s demise. Birds and other owls that hunt for food are also at risk for the illness.
aviSick birds should n’t be handled, even though public health officials believe that this HPAI pressure poses a little threat to humans. Additionally, sick birds should n’t be comeled with other birds because this illness is extremely contagious to domestic poultry and other wild birds.
Although most animals are H5N1 HPAI proof, there have been a few unique fatal attacks in dogs, cats, fox, black bears, and even dolphins. It should be noted that no dog attacks have been reported in Louisiana, despite the fact that some birds shooting dogs come into contact with birds who have HPAI. Avoiding contact between animals and birds that exhibit neurological symptoms is advised.
To avoid the intro and spread of the disease inside the facility, wildlife rehabilitationists should take care not to provide possible HPAI-infected birds into their rehabilitation facilities. When infected, clothing, different items, or perhaps apparently good waterfowl should be thoroughly cleaned and kept away from other birds, particularly domestic chickens.
Once more, ill birds should not be handled, and no birds that has been found dead or showing signs of disease should be eaten by people.
Regional LDWF should be contacted if you see sick or dead birds at the following locations: Hammond Office: 985-543-4777; Lake Charles Office 337-491-2575; Lafayette Office ( 337-262 )- 2080; Minden Office ( Minden Office ): 318-371- 3050; Monroe Office418- 343- 4044; Pineville Office 218-487- 5885.
You can find more details about HPAI on the following sites:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-birds.htm
https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza
