A recent presumptive case of avian influenza in a duck on O‘ahu has led the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Animal Industry Division (AID) to call on both commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase biosecurity measures. The department’s warning comes as the migratory bird season continues through the Pacific flyway, with agencies working together to monitor and prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
In November 2024, an outbreak at a bird sanctuary in Wahiawā resulted in the euthanization of about 100 birds after the property was disinfected by DAB veterinarians. That same month, HPAI was detected in a single duck at a North Shore wildlife refuge by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. No further cases were reported until this week.
Information on how poultry and bird owners can improve biosecurity is available from both the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawai‘i Department of Health assess the risk to human health from HPAI as “low.” However, they advise that people who have close or prolonged contact with infected birds or contaminated environments face greater risk and should take precautions. The CDC provides guidance for those working with animals.
Wild waterbirds such as ducks, geese, swans, and shorebirds can carry avian influenza without showing symptoms, but poultry like chickens and turkeys can become seriously ill or die from certain strains. The virus can spread when domestic birds come into contact with infected wild birds or share food and water sources. There is no approved treatment for HPAI in poultry; controlling outbreaks relies on depopulating affected flocks.
Symptoms of avian influenza in birds include sudden death, reduced energy or appetite, decreased egg production, swelling or discoloration of body parts, respiratory distress, neurological signs, and diarrhea.
The department urges anyone noticing multiple or unusual illnesses among poultry, livestock, or wild birds to report them to DAB AID by phone or email during business hours, providing details such as species, number affected, and location.
For safe removal of dead birds, individuals are advised to use gloves or a plastic bag, double-bag carcasses before disposal, wash hands, and disinfect clothing and shoes afterward.
HPAI can also infect other animals including cattle, cats, dogs, goats, seals, and other mammals. Reducing exposure to wild birds is recommended for all animal owners. Pet owners with concerns should consult their veterinarian.
Additional resources on avian influenza are available from state and federal agencies.
“At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawai‘i Department of Health consider the human health risk from HPAI as ‘low.’ However, those with close or prolonged exposure to infected birds and other infected animals or environments have a greater risk of infection and should take protective measures. CDC guidance for those working with animals may be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html“
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