Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N1, was detected in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oahu, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Service Laboratories confirmed to the state Department of Agriculture on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • The first-ever detection of H5 avian influenza in the state was confirmed by the National Wastewater Surveillance System earlier this week from a sample taken at the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant
  • This is the first confirmed detection of the virus in Hawaii. HDOA said the virus detected here matches the strain that has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the U.S. mainland
  • With the confirmation of avian influenza, HDOA today issued a quarantine order on the site that requires that all birds on the property be “depopulated” and the premises cleaned and disinfected
  • HDOA received a report of at least 10 dead birds on the property on Nov. 12

 

The first-ever detection of H5 avian influenza in the state was confirmed by the National Wastewater Surveillance System earlier this week from a sample taken at the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant. The testing could not determine whether the H5 virus detected was H5N1, of which there has been a national outbreak, but property with the infected flock is served by the Wahiawa plant.

This is the first confirmed detection of the virus in Hawaii. HDOA said virus detected here matches the strain that has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the U.S. mainland. 

H5N1 causes severe illness with a high mortality rate among affected birds.

With the confirmation of avian influenza, HDOA today issued a quarantine order on the site that requires that all birds on the property be “depopulated” and the premises cleaned and disinfected. HDOA had previously issued a hold order preventing the movement of any animals from the property while confirmatory tests were being conducted.

Human illness with H5N1 is uncommon and reported symptoms among humans infected in the United States have been mild. DOH is investigating potential human exposures to the sick birds and can test for avian flu in persons exposed to known infected animals to help guide prompt and appropriate treatment (if symptomatic) or prophylaxis (prevention, if asymptomatic). Antiviral treatment for avian flu in humans is available and works best when taken as soon as symptoms begin.  

As the state Department of Health previously stated, residents of Hawaii are unlikely to get sick from H5N1 influenza at this time. H5N1 infection in humans on the U.S. mainland have been reported almost exclusively among workers who have close contact with infected animals. The most common symptoms of avian flu in humans are conjunctivitis and upper respiratory symptoms like sore throat and cough. Sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported. 

HDOA received a report of at least 10 dead birds on the property on Nov. 12. The dead birds tested included ducks, geese and a zebra dove. An HDOA veterinarian conducted necropsies on the dead birds and sent diagnostic samples to both the DOH State Laboratories Division and to the NVSL, which is the confirmatory laboratory for all reportable animal disease diagnostics in the U.S. 

It is not known at this time how the avian influenza virus arrived in Hawaii, but the state is in the Pacific flyway, which is a migratory path from the continental U.S. Strict quarantine rules have been in place to prevent bird diseases from entering the state via air transport and maritime routes. 

HDOA has been working with DOH and has partnered with veterinary staff at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience to assist in education and outreach to poultry operations, backyard flock owners and other animals susceptible to the virus. 

Since 2015, several agencies have been conducting routine surveillance for avian influenza statewide, including HDOA, two branches of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Geological Survey. 

“In addition to DOH, HDOA has been collaborating closely with animal disease authorities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture who are familiar with avian influenza and its impact on wild and captive bird populations,” said Dr. Isaac Maeda, HDOA’s state veterinarian. “We want to note that the owner of the property has been very cooperative and realizes the seriousness of the situation involving their beloved pets.”

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, contact HDOA Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.

Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.