LSU Vet Med Wildlife Hospital urges caution as bird flu risk increases during fall and winter

As migratory birds make their way south for the winter, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is reminding Louisiana residents to be aware of the increased risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, and to take precautions when encountering sick or injured wildlife.

Late fall and winter typically bring an increased risk of HPAI as migratory waterfowl travel through Louisiana. These birds can carry and spread the virus, potentially infecting other wild birds, domestic poultry, and other susceptible animals.

Veterinarians at LSU Vet Med's Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana recently identified HPAI in a goose exhibiting concerning clinical signs, including cloudy eyes (corneal edema), generalized weakness and neurological abnormalities. The symptoms prompted veterinarians to test the bird, confirming infection.

Because testing for HPAI is costly, Wildlife Hospital veterinarians evaluate birds individually and conduct testing when clinical signs and circumstances indicate a strong suspicion of infection.

Protecting Wildlife, Pets, and People

LSU Vet Med encourages the public to remain vigilant during the fall and winter months, particularly when encountering wild birds that appear sick or have died unexpectedly.

To help prevent the spread of HPAI, LSU Vet Med recommends:

• Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds. Do not touch or attempt to rescue birds exhibiting unusual behavior, weakness, difficulty moving, or neurological symptoms.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife. Dogs and cats should not be allowed to investigate, retrieve, or consume wild birds that may be infected.
• Avoid contact with potentially contaminated areas. The virus can spread through infected birds' saliva, mucus, feces, and contaminated environments.
• Report suspicious wildlife illnesses or deaths. Contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or appropriate wildlife authorities for guidance rather than attempting to handle affected animals.
  Protect domestic birds. Backyard poultry owners should minimize contact between their birds and wild waterfowl and follow recommended biosecurity practices.
• Although HPAI primarily affects birds, certain mammals can also become infected. People should avoid direct contact with potentially infected animals and report suspected exposures to appropriate health authorities.

Caring for Louisiana's Wildlife

The Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana at LSU Vet Med provides specialized veterinary care for injured and sick wildlife from across the state. In 2026 alone, the hospital has already cared for 2,056 animals, surpassing the 2,000-animal mark before the end of the year.

The hospital treats a wide variety of native wildlife, including birds of prey, waterfowl, mammals, and reptiles. From injured bald eagles and owls to turtles and other native species, its veterinary team works to rehabilitate animals and return them to their natural habitats whenever possible.

Among patients that survive the critical first 24 hours and are considered treatable, the Wildlife Hospital achieves a release rate of approximately 73 percent.

Despite its significant caseload, the Wildlife Hospital currently operates in a space of approximately 350 square feet. The limited space presents challenges as demand for specialized wildlife care continues.

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Care

To meet the growing needs of Louisiana's wildlife, LSU Vet Med is raising funds for a new, expanded Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana.

A larger facility would allow the hospital to increase its capacity to care for injured and sick animals, accommodate additional wildlife species that the current facility cannot accept, and enhance opportunities for veterinary education and community outreach.

The expansion would also strengthen LSU Vet Med's mission of educating future veterinarians. Veterinary students gain valuable hands-on experience in wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, and conservation while working alongside experienced wildlife veterinarians.

Beyond clinical care, LSU Vet Med students participate in community outreach to educate the public about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting native species. An expanded facility could provide opportunities to welcome visitors, offer additional educational programming, and potentially establish volunteer opportunities that further connect the community with wildlife conservation. The proposed expansion represents an investment not only in veterinary medicine but also in the protection of Louisiana's diverse wildlife populations for generations to come.

Learn more about LSU Vet Med's Wildlife Hospital expansion and opportunities to support the project at: lsu.edu/vetmed/blog/2026/wildlife_expansion.php

About LSU Vet Med: Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine is one of only 33 veterinary schools in the U.S. and the only one in Louisiana. LSU Vet Med is dedicated to improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care. We teach. We heal. We discover. We protect.