The Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division once again strongly urges all commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase their biosecurity measures to protect themselves and their flocks from avian influenza.
Earlier this week, the Hawaii Department of Health reported “very low-level” detections of H5 influenza in a wastewater sample collected on Dec. 11 from the Lihue Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauai. Prior to that, a wastewater sample collected on Dec. 2 at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaii Island contained the H5 avian influenza.
In November 2024, birds at a sanctuary in Wahiawa on Oahu were found infected with the virus. HDOA veterinarians “conducted extreme measures” to disinfect the property and euthanized about 100 birds. In the same month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found the highly pathogenic avian influenza in a single duck at a North Shore wildlife refuge. Since then, HPAI has not been detected at either location.
Hawaii is the last state to detect HPAI. The likely route of introduction of the virus into Hawaii is through the Pacific flyway, a migratory path that includes Hawaii. The two detections have been identified as the Eurasian strain of HPAI that’s associated with migratory birds.
“While the wastewater detections are not specific enough to confirm if it is the highly pathogenic avian influenza strain, extra precautions are advised to keep commercial and backyard flocks from comingling with wild birds,” said Dr. Isaac Maeda, the HDOA state veterinarian, in a news release.
“Commercial poultry operations are usually well informed about biosecurity measures, but backyard flocks are a concern in stopping the spread of avian influenza. Feeding wild birds is also discouraged, to keep birds from gathering and possibly increasing transmission of the disease,” Maeda said.
Increase biosecurity measures
Poultry and bird owners can find information on how to increase biosecurity for their flocks at the USDA website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still considers the risk of HPAI to humans as “low.” However, anyone with close or prolonged exposure to birds, other animals or environments that a greater risk of infection should take protective measures. CDC provides guidance for those working with animals.
Wild birds that can carry avian influenza include waterbirds such as ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. Avian viruses can spread easily from wild birds to poultry, according to HDOA. Some wild birds can carry the virus without appearing sick, but poultry like chickens and turkeys can get very sick and die from some bird flu viruses.
Backyard poultry, ducks and other birds can get avian influenza if they come into contact with infected wild birds or share food, sources of water and environments with them.
According to the CDC, most common songbirds or other birds such as cardinals, sparrows or pigeons do not usually carry bird flu viruses that endanger poultry or people.
HPAI has no treatment. The only way to stop the disease among poultry operations is to cull the affected and exposed birds.
Symptoms of the avian influenza in poultry and birds:
- Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness
- Lack of energy and appetite
- A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs
- Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs
- Gasping for air (difficulty breathing)
- Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
- Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)
- Stumbling or falling down
- Diarrhea
Report sick or dead birds
People can report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals to the HDOA AID at 808-483-7100, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, or email hdoa.Idc@hawaii.gov. Provide as much detail as possible on the number of affected or dead birds, species of birds and exact location. Not all dead birds will be tested, depending on the situation.
When removing dead birds:
- Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.
- Double-bag the carcass and throw it out with the regular trash.
- Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.
- Be mindful of any health symptoms that may develop afterward.
For animals other than birds
HPAI can also infect other animals such as cattle, cats, dogs, goats, seals and other mammals, so eliminating or decreasing exposure to wild birds is highly recommended.
Pet owners concerned about possible HPAI infection should contact their veterinarian for advice.
Resources
• USDA
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
• DOH avian influenza information
• CDC
