Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
Hawaii Department of Health announced the first poultry cases of bird flu detected in Hawaii
mid-November. Leaving residents concerned the virus spreading on the island.
Test results on various birds in a backyard flock revealed the presence of avian influenza (commonly known as bird flu). A problem that has been plaguing the Continental United States. But has now made its way more tropical.
Here’s what we know about bird flu detected in Hawaii and what it means for people and poultry in the state.
The first confirmed detection of bird flu in Hawaii was announced November 15, 2024 by Hawaiian authorities.
At least 10 dead birds were found on the private property on November 12, 2024 where bird flu was suspected. Evidence suggests that this outbreak has been localized to a backyard flock. For now.
No human cases have been announced.
Necropsies were performed on dead birds. Bird flu was detected in the ducks, a goose, and a zebra dove. Samples obtained by a Hawaii Department of Agriculture veterinarian during the necropsies were forwarded to the Department of Health Laboratories Division, where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu was identified in samples.
In response, a quarantine and hold order was placed, preventing animals to be moved from the property while authorities await confirmation test results.
This quarantine order in response to bird flu protocols requires all of the birds on the property to be “depopulated” and that the premises is to be cleaned and disinfected.
In addition to concerns of bird flu spreading through Hawaii, another bit of information was revealed in these test results.
The viral strain detected matches the strain that has also mutated to infect dairy cows. A finding that means other animals on the island are vulnerable to the illness.
State officials have been expecting this result, as there were clues that bird flu had made it on the island.
They have found the virus in wastewater.
The National Wastewater Surveillance System has been testing for this and other illnesses as part of their normal surveillance program. Recently, Wahiawā Wastewater Treatment Plant has detected bird flu in wastewater.
The property where poultry cases of bird flu were detected was within the service area handled by Wahiawā Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Routine bird flu surveillance activities have been a part of Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s preventative measures for a while now.
“In addition to Department of Health, Hawaii Department of Agriculture has been collaborating closely with animal disease authorities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture who are familiar with avian influenza and its impact on wild and captive bird populations,” said Dr. Isaac Maeda, Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s state veterinarian.
This was always a concern.
How exactly did bird flu make it to Hawaii? It is an ocean-locked island with strict import procedures and tight agricultural surveillance.
Did someone stow away a pet chicken on their vacation?
Unlikely.
Strict quarantine rules have been enacted to prevent bird diseases from breaching the state by air or boat.
Experts say that Hawaii is in the “Pacific Flyway.” This is migratory path from the continental U.S. Likely a wild bird of some kind made a rest stop on island, infecting an unsuspecting local flock.
Now that it is there, containment is the best approach.
Much like the poultry and dairy cow bird flu outbreaks happening on the mainland, there is minimal exposure risk to humans.
Most cases of human illness have been occupational. In those cases, poultry and dairy cow workers come in contact with a lot of these animals on a daily basis.
Fortunately, antiviral treatment for bird flu in humans is available and effective. Though it is more effective if taken as soon as the infected person is aware of the symptoms.
Bird flu in humans can present a wide range of symptoms. All of which can vary in intensity from mild to severe.
Some of the potential symptoms include:
Less common symptoms include:
While the risk of human transmission of bird flu in Hawaii residents is low, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble says caution is still necessary. “Be smart if you do encounter sick or dead birds, livestock, or wild animals and avoid direct contact.”
Bird flu mutations have been able to infect other animals. In the United States, most notably, dairy cows have been impacted. However, bird flu has been detected in cats, dogs, mice, and other warm-blooded mammals.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division is asking for help. If you see unusual behavior or illness in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, call to report it.
During business hours, call 808-483-7102 (Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or during non-business hours and holidays call 808-837-8092.
If you may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife, the Department of Health recommends that you contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line for additional guidance. The number for that Division is 808-586-4586.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Bird Flu Detected in Hawaii Says State Officials,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)
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