As of Feb. 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 68 human cases of H5N1 bird flu across 11 different states. Louisiana confirmed the first-ever human death from the sickness.
Bird flu spreads via close contact with infected animals, as over 150 million poultry and 962 dairy herds have infections, according to the CDC. This has affected farmers, who must exterminate entire flocks of poultry after a single case to prevent the spread. These mass cullings result in huge losses and increased prices for eggs and other food products.
Compared to previous bird flu outbreaks, such as the one in 2015, the U.S. has been more severely affected this time.
Not only has the avian flu outbreak affected a larger quantity of animals, but it has also targeted species that were previously unaffected, such as dairy cattle, household pets, and even zoo animals.
At this time of year, Louisiana welcomes millions of wild bird populations migrating from the south, putting many poultry and farm workers at risk for potential outbreaks.
The Louisiana Department of Health has made efforts to mitigate outbreaks. However, infectious disease specialist at LSU Health New Orleans, Julio Figueroa, Ph.D., believes more should be done.
“All the different components [of Louisiana] should be talking to each other and creating guidance, especially in a state like ours, where we have a lot of wild animals, a lot of (backyard) animals, and a lot of environment,” Figueroa said in an article published in The Acadiana Advocate.
Additionally, the CDC observed mutations in the genetic sample from the deceased Louisiana resident. The sample could potentially allow the virus to better infect human cells.
Although the CDC claims the risk to the general public is low, novel outbreaks in mammals and mutations in humans have created a greater reason for precaution to avoid a potential pandemic.
The CDC encourages hunters and backyard farmers to take precautionary measures to combat the bird flu outbreak.
It is advised to avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals. Report occurrences of sick birds or animals to the state or federal government through the state veterinarian or by calling the USDA.
