Federal health officials say that not only has a Louisiana resident contracted the first severe case of bird flu in the U.S., but that the virus likely mutated in the patient. The findings raise concern regarding the adaptability of the virus.

In a positive finding, the CDC emphasized that there is no evidence the virus has spread from the Louisiana patient to others, and the mutations alone are unlikely to spread from person to person. CDC scientists also confirmed, however, that the Louisiana virus samples are closely related to candidate vaccine strains already developed for bird flu.

HPAI is considered low risk to humans, the agency said, and there have been no human cases in New England during the current outbreak. The post Bird flu detected in small backyard flock in Vermont appeared first on Boston.

“Agents have learned that neither hunter was wearing any hunter’s orange and did not possess deer tags,” state wildlife officials said. “Agents cited the shooter for hunting deer without possessing deer tags and not wearing hunter’s orange.” Additional charges are possible, officials said.

A Louisiana hunter was cited for two violations after accidentally shooting another hunter, who he mistook for a deer, while they were both on the same "small" property.

A hunter fatally shot a Baton Rouge man who was also hunting in the Sandy Hollow Wildlife Management area near Kentwood on Saturday, officials said. Roberto Garcia, 61, was hit around 8:45 a.m. with a .45-caliber muzzleloader and died before first responders could arrive, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said in a news release.

A number of Louisiana residents, including one from Shreveport, will be recognized as riders on the state’s float featured in the 136th annual Tournament of Roses Parade

Louisiana is showcasing its parading skills in Pasadena, California on Jan. 1, 2025 in the Parade of Roses. Rising country music start Timothy Wayne will be performing on the float. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser discusses what it means for Louisiana and what you can expect to see during the parade.

The theme for this year's event is “Best Day Ever!” Louisiana’s 2025 float will proudly feature an alligator adorned with beads, carrying a Cajun dance hall and