State urges more biosecurity measures to protect flocks from avian flu

January 20, 2025, 5:00 AM HST
* Updated January 20, 5:36 AM

Listen to this Article
4 minutesLoading Audio... Article will play after ad...

With low levels of the H5 influenza found in the wastewater samples on Kauaʻi, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division urges commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their flocks.

Poultry, like chickens and turkeys, can get very sick and die from some bird flu viruses. (Courtesy of: U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website)

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health detected low levels of avian influenza on wastewater samples on Kauaʻi as they are not considered positive results, it may be an indication that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) is circulating in the environment.

The state Department of Health previously reported a positive detection of H5 avian influenza at a Hilo wastewater facility. The highly pathogenic avian influenza is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds and is a major threat to the poultry industry and animal health.

In November 2024, a bird sanctuary in Wahiawā on O‘ahu was infected with the virus and Department of Agriculture veterinarians conducted extreme measures to disinfect the property and euthanized about 100 birds.

That same month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in a single duck at a North Shore wildlife refuge. Since those incidents, there have been no further detections of the influenza at either location as wildlife surveillance continues by multiple state and federal agencies.

Hawai‘i was the last of the 50 states to detect the highly pathogenic avian influenza. The most plausible route of introduction of the virus is through the Pacific flyway, which is a migratory path that includes Hawai‘i. The two detections have been identified as the Eurasian strain of the avian flu, which is associated with migratory birds.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

“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 commingling with wild birds,” said Dr. Isaac Maeda, the Department of Agriculture state veterinarian. “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 continued.

Increasing Biosecurity

Information for poultry and bird owners on how to increase biosecurity for their flocks can be found at U.S. Department of Agrilculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers the human health risk from avian influenza as “low.” However, those with close or prolonged exposure to birds, along with other animals or environments thave a greater risk of infection and should take protective measures.

ADVERTISEMENT

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for those working with animals may be found here.

Wild birds that carry avian influenza include waterbirds, like ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds, and can easily spread from wild birds to poultry. Some wild birds can carry bird flu viruses 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 have 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 found in the yard, like cardinals, sparrows, or pigeons, do not usually carry bird flu viruses that are dangerous to poultry or people.

There is no treatment for highly pathogenic avian influenza. The only way to stop the disease among poultry operations is to depopulate all affected and exposed birds.

Some of the symptoms of avian influenza in poultry and birds include:

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

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD

Reporting Sick or Dead Birds

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact the Animal Industry Division with as much detail as possible at 808-483-7100 between 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or email: hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov.

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.

Animals Other Than Birds

Besides birds, highly pathogenic avian influenza can infect other animals, including cattle, cats, dogs, goats, seals and other mammals. Eliminating or decreasing exposure to wild birds is also highly recommended.

Pet owners concerned about possible infection should contact their private veterinarian for advice.

Resources on Avian Influenva:

HDOA Animal Disease Control: https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/avian-influenza-information/

USDA: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza