🚨 🦠Health Alert: Avian Flu and Salmonella Outbreak Warnings in Louisiana!

State and federal health officials are warning the public about two ongoing health concerns affecting Louisiana residents: the continued spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) among wild birds and a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters.

Wildlife officials report that H5N1 is causing illness and death in waterfowl across Louisiana, with the greatest impacts currently seen in southwest Louisiana. The virus primarily affects geese, ducks, and other wild birds, and fall and winter migration patterns have contributed to a resurgence. While some birds recover, others develop severe neurological symptoms such as tremors, loss of coordination, inability to fly, lethargy, and sudden death. Scavenging birds, including raptors and vultures, are especially vulnerable.

Residents are urged not to handle sick or dead birds and to observe wildlife from a distance. Officials recommend keeping wild birds away from domestic poultry and pets, washing clothing or objects that may have come into contact with birds, and avoiding surfaces contaminated by bird droppings.

Hunters and others who handle wildlife are advised to:

• Never handle or eat sick game
• Field dress animals outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
• Wear gloves when cleaning game
• Thoroughly clean hands, knives, and equipment

All wild game should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers H5N1 a low risk to humans, fatal infections have been documented in other mammals, including dogs, cats, foxes, skunks, and marine mammals. Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regional office; in central Louisiana, reports may be made to the Pineville office at (318) 487-5885.

At the same time, the CDC is investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw oysters, with 64 illnesses reported across 22 states. Twenty people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Health officials note that people in this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than expected for Salmonella cases associated with oysters. Of those interviewed, nearly three-quarters reported eating raw oysters before becoming ill.

The CDC and FDA are working to determine whether a common source of oysters can be identified, and no recall has been issued at this time.

Salmonella infection typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure and usually lasts four to seven days, though severe illness can require hospitalization. Young children, adults 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications.

Health officials remind the public that raw oysters can carry harmful bacteria at any time of year and should be cooked before eating, noting that hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs and contaminated oysters cannot be identified by appearance.

Additional information on avian influenza is available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while details on the Salmonella outbreak can be found on the CDC’s website.

Public health officials encourage residents to stay informed as investigations continue and to take preventive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their pets. Anyone experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms after eating raw or undercooked seafood, or who has had close contact with sick or dead wildlife, should seek medical attention and notify their healthcare provider of possible exposure. Officials stress that early reporting and basic precautions remain key tools in limiting the spread of illness and protecting public health across Louisiana.