Endangered, native duck on Kaua‘i dies from suspected bird flu

A third presumptive case of avian influenza was found in an endangered native duck on Kaua‘i that later died.

A Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) was found sick on Nov. 26 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge in Kīlauea, and died within 24 hours, according to a news release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Thursday.

Preliminary testing performed by the Hawaiʻi State Laboratory showed the bird was infected with an influenza A virus, though confirmation and subtype identification (e.g., H5N1) are pending further analysis by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

This Kauaʻi detection is the first potential case in a native bird, likely introduced through infected migratory waterfowl. The virus was first confirmed on Kaua‘i in January at the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant.

H5N1 is a highly infectious and often deadly subtype of influenza A that mainly affects birds, according to the news release. Human infections are rare but can occur with close contact.

Hawaiʻi’s first detection of H5N1 occurred in November 2024 in a backyard flock on Oʻahu, followed by a hybrid duck found on Oʻahu’s North Shore. This year, two additional cases have been confirmed in migratory Koloa Māpu ducks—one on Oʻahu and one on Maui.

With migratory bird season underway, more birds traveling through the islands may carry avian diseases and it is recommended that the public avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, and Department of Land and Natural Resources continue coordinated monitoring of public health reports, poultry operations and wild bird populations for any signs of virus spread.

The state provides the following tips for anyone who encounters sick or dead birds, such as waterfowl:

• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• If capturing a dead or sick bird is necessary, wear gloves, minimize contact and follow biosafety protocols.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays. Send email to DABIC@hawaii.gov.

For more information, click here for the Department of Health or here for details from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.