By: Greg LaRose, Published Dec.19, 2024 in the Louisiana Illuminator 

A second case of avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, has been detected in a backyard flock in southwest Louisiana, the state Department of Agriculture and Forestry reported Thursday.

Earlier this week, the state’s first backyard avian flu case was reported in northwest Louisiana. State officials have not identified the type of birds involved in either case but said it involves a non-commercial, “non-poultry” flock, just like the instance reported Monday.

Louisiana is currently experiencing the largest number of early-season flu cases in the U.S. According to the CDC, the state’s positivity rate exceeds 11-percent, with the national average settling in at 3.5-percent.

Louisiana’s mild winters precipitate the spread of the virus. Low vaccination rates contribute to the higher numbers of infection.

Health officials are encouraging those who have not yet been vaccinated to get the vaccine so that they can be prepared for the winter months when case numbers will rise.