Avian flu detected in migratory birds in SWLA

CAMERON PARISH, La. — Avian flu has returned to Southwest Louisiana, with wildlife officials reporting cases in migratory birds.

No human cases have been reported in southwest Louisiana, according to CDC data. However, officials are seeing cases in migratory birds, particularly snow geese.

“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.

“This year is cranking up to be another heavy year for mortality events. I’m already getting reports from northern states like Missouri and Minnesota,” Roberts said.

He added that the social nature of geese contributes to the virus spreading rapidly among the birds, as they travel in large flocks.

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.

The virus is transmissible to pets and humans, Roberts said. He wants hunters to recognize signs of bird flu.

“I would say, definitely be on the lookout for neurologic birds, the birds that are on the water when they get to the blind, and they just can’t fly. Don’t let the dog consume birds that may be already on the ground or anything like that,” Roberts said.

Anyone who suspects a bird is infected should report it to authorities.

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