Three Hawaii state agencies are investigating a possible case of avian influenza after laboratory testing found a presumptive H5 subtype of influenza A virus in a sick duck at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. The bird was discovered by a student and reported to the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center. Preliminary tests were conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division, with samples sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and further analysis. Results from NVSL are expected later this week or next.
Officials say that, for now, the risk of infection to humans remains low. According to health authorities, “H5N1 is an avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds; human infections are rare but can occur under close contact with infected animals.” They add, “The public risk in Hawaiʻi is low at this time and DOH does not recommend limiting outdoor activity.”
The H5N1 strain is highly infectious among wild birds and poultry. It has caused outbreaks in animals, including dairy cattle on the U.S. mainland. In November 2024, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first confirmed in Hawaii in a backyard flock in Central Oʻahu.
The DOH, Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB), and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are monitoring health reports from poultry farms and wild bird populations for signs that the virus may be spreading.
As migratory bird season begins in Hawaii, officials urge vigilance since wild birds can carry diseases into the islands. They advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds—especially waterfowl or shorebirds—and provide guidance on safe disposal methods if removal is necessary. People who notice multiple or unusual illnesses among poultry or wild birds should report them to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Animal Industry Division during business hours at 808-483-7100 or after hours at 808-837-8092.
Routine flu vaccines do not protect against H5N1; prevention relies on avoiding contact with affected birds. For more information about avian flu symptoms and protection measures, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/.
Additionally, seabird fallout season runs from September 15 through December 15 as young seabirds leave their nests for the first time. The risk that these seabirds carry H5N1 is considered very low. More details about responding to downed seabirds can be found at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/#response.
For information on handling dead wild birds safely, see https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs-hpai-dead-wild-bird.508.pdf.
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