A ProMED posting on December 11th confirmed widespread diagnoses of HPAI in migratory and free-living birds in the U.S. In Washington State, snow 
geese and ducks have died in the area of Skagit Bay. The State Department of Fish and Wildlife characterized the mortality as “a situation that has escalated significantly in the past two weeks”.
Goose hunters have been advised to avoid handling dead birds and to thoroughly cook killed birds before consumption. Hunters are also advised to clean birds at home to avoid contaminating habitat with potentially infectious offal that could perpetuate infection and spread to susceptible raptors and carrion bird species.
The Louisiana Department 
of Wildlife and Fisheries has recognized HPAI in Gulf Coast parishes where pelicans, eagles, hawks and vultures have tested positive in addition to migratory waterfowl. Similar recommendations to those issued in Washington have been extended to Louisiana hunters.