Bird flu detected in samples collected at Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant

Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratories Division officials say bird flu, specifically H5 avian influenza, was detected at very low levels in wastewater samples collected at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The first detection was from a sample collected Dec. 11, 2024, that was so low it was not considered a positive result.

Samples collected Dec. 18, 2024, and Jan. 8 had similar detections.

While none is considered a positive result, the consistent very low detections indicate a high likelihood that the H5 bird flu virus is on Kauaʻi.

No H5 virus infections of birds, dairy cows or humans have been detected on the island to date. Detection of infected birds in the state has so far been limited to Oʻahu.

H5 bird flu viruses include the H5N1 subtype that has spread globally in birds since its initial discovery in 1996 and recently was detected in several mammal species, including dairy cows.

Wastewater testing cannot determine if the detection is specifically this H5N1 subtype.

The presence of the H5N1 bird flu virus in Hawaiʻi was first confirmed in November 2024 in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oʻahu.

That virus strain was a different genotype of the virus that has infected birds and dairy cows on the mainland.

H5 was subsequently detected in influent collected Dec. 2 at the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaiʻi Island.

While the risk to the public remains low, bird flu can cause severe illness with a high mortality rate among certain bird populations such as poultry. Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Bird flu can also infect dairy cows. While pasteurized milk is safe, raw milk should be avoided.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture recommends the following measures for residents who need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:

• 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 might develop afterward.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals from anywhere in the state, contact state Agriculture Department Animal Industry Division from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 808-483-7100 or via email at hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov.

You can also contact the division after business hours and on holidays by calling 808-837-8092.

Residents who think they could have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the state Health Department Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.