Officials stress avian flu precautions as new case found
A recent presumptive case of avian influenza in a duck on O‘ahu has prompted the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) to call for stronger biosecurity measures. Both commercial poultry operators and backyard bird owners are advised to increase safety precautions to protect their flocks from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The reminder comes during the ongoing migratory bird season through the Pacific Flyway. Officials are coordinating surveillance and prevention activities to reduce the risk of spread. In November 2024, a bird sanctuary in Wahiawā was infected, leading to the euthanasia of around 100 birds and full property disinfection. The same month, a wild duck tested positive at a North Shore refuge. Until this week, there had been no new detections.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawai‘i Department of Health currently consider the human risk from HPAI as low. However, those in close contact with infected animals should use protective gear as advised by CDC.
Bird flu can spread easily from wild waterfowl to domestic poultry. Symptoms in poultry may include sudden death, low energy, drop in egg production, swelling of the comb or wattles, and respiratory distress.
Bird owners are encouraged to keep wild birds away and report any unusual illness or death. Reports can be made to the DAB Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or by emailing dabic@hawaii.gov.
For safety, handlers should wear gloves, double-bag carcasses, wash thoroughly afterward, and disinfect clothing and shoes. More information is available on the DAB website.
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