The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Louisiana during this outbreak, which began in February 2022.

Samples from the flock were tested at the Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and confirmed at the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

APHIS is working closely with state animal health officials in Louisiana on a joint incident response and will provide appropriate support as requested.