Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner, shared his excitement about the start of crawfish season. “It’s crawfish time,” he declared, noting that the frost has lifted, and the crawfish are ready for harvest.
Dr. Strain highlighted the tradition of enjoying crawfish around Valentine’s Day, a sentiment echoed by the interviewer, who mentioned that his family marks the unofficial start of the season on this holiday. While many people scramble for restaurant reservations, the interviewer prefers to bring the crawfish home, buying them already boiled for convenience.
Dr. Strain emphasized the importance of sweetening the crawfish boil with Louisiana sweet potatoes, which can be repurposed into delicious dishes like sweet potato casserole. This local twist adds a unique flavor to the beloved crawfish boil, making it a true celebration of Louisiana’s agricultural bounty.
As crawfish season begins, Louisianans are ready to enjoy this seasonal delicacy, bringing family and friends together for a flavorful feast.
Dr. Mike Strain also discussed the current egg shortage and the impact of avian influenza on the poultry industry. He explained that many grocery stores in Baton Rouge are receiving only 65% of their egg orders due to a significant reduction in egg-producing hens. Over the past 120 days, the U.S. has lost more than 10% of its egg-laying hens to avian influenza, with the number potentially rising to 15%.
The shortage is exacerbated by the “California model” for cage-free eggs, which requires hens to have outdoor access. While this model aims to improve animal welfare, it also increases the risk of avian influenza as wild birds can transmit the virus to hens. Dr. Strain noted that enclosed hen houses with air filtration systems can reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of infection.
The high path avian influenza virus is highly infectious, capable of spreading over long distances through the air. This has led to significant biosecurity measures being implemented to protect poultry farms. Dr. Strain emphasized the importance of keeping backyard chickens away from wild birds to prevent the spread of the virus.
The interview also touched on the broader implications of avian influenza, including its potential to infect other species and even humans. Dr. Strain mentioned recent cases where the virus has jumped from birds to dairy cattle and humans, highlighting the need for effective vaccines to control the spread.
As egg prices continue to rise, with estimates suggesting a potential 25% increase over the next year, the focus remains on biosecurity and vaccination efforts to protect both the poultry industry and public health.