This past weekend, LDWF biologists – along with collaborators from the University of Georgia’s Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study – captured, banded, and safely released several hundred blue-winged teal.
This marked the 15th consecutive year of ongoing avian influenza research in south Louisiana.
Through both hunter-harvested and live-captured samples, this long-term study helps scientists better understand how avian influenza virus moves through wild bird populations and what effects it has on waterfowl.
While the current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI EA H5N1) strain has had major impacts on the poultry industry, wild waterfowl are not believed to spread the virus among poultry operations.
However, the LDWF reminds hunters that when handling wild game, take protective precautions:
- Field dress game outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
- Wear gloves when cleaning game
- Wash hands, tools and surfaces after handling
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while processing
- Cook all game to 𝟭𝟲𝟱°𝗙 before eating