Increased biosecurity urged to protect birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza
A recent presumptive case of avian influenza in a duck on O‘ahu prompts a reminder from Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Animal Industry Division urging commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their flocks from avian influenza — or highly pathogenic avian influenza.
The migratory season for birds through the Pacific flyway is ongoing and there has been a multi-agency effort to monitor and conduct surveillance activities, as well as to prevent spread of the virus when and where possible.
A bird sanctuary in November 2024 in Wahiawā, O‘ahu, was infected with the virus and state Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity veterinarians conducted measures to disinfect the property and euthanized about 100 birds.
That same month, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the same month detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in a single duck at a North Shore wildlife refuge on O‘ahu.
There were no further detections of the virus on the island until the most recent infected duck was discovered Oct. 10.
Hawaiʻi County and Hawai’i Department of Health reported late last year that H5 avian influenza was detected in influent collected Dec. 2 from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant.
No other reports of avian influenza of any type have been made or discovered on the Big Island since.
Information for poultry and bird owners about how to increase biosecurity for their flocks can be found on the state Agriculture and Biosecurity Department website and U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Hawai‘i Department of Health at this time consider the human health risk from highly pathogenic avian influenza 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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for those working with animals can be found on the federal agency’s website.
Wild birds that carry avian influenza include waterbirds, such as ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. Bird flu viruses can easily spread from wild birds to poultry.
Some wild birds can carry bird flu viruses without appearing sick, but poultry, including 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. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep wild birds away from domestic birds.
There is no approved treatment for highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry. The only way to stop the disease 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.
- Drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs.
- Swelling of eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks.
- Purple discoloration of 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.
To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday or via email at dabic@hawaii.gov.
Provide as much detail about the number of sick or dead birds, species of birds and exact location.
Not all dead birds will be tested, depending on the situation.
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 might develop afterward.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza can also infect other animals, including cattle, cats, dogs, goats, seals and other mammals. Eliminating or decreasing exposure to wild birds is highly recommended.
Pet owners concerned about possible highly pathogenic avian influenza infection should contact their private veterinarian for advice.
Resources on highly pathogenic avian influenza:
- Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity Animal Disease Control.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Prevent Avian Influenza at Your Farm.
- What to do if You find a Dead Bird.
- Defend the Flock.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
- Hawai‘i Department of Health avian influenza information.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Links to informational flyers:
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