First Case of Bird Flu Detected in Hawaii

The first case of bird flu in Honolulu County, Hawaii has been confirmed by federal officials.

On Nov. 15, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) was notified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) veterinary laboratory of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu.

The Hawaii Department of Health is currently investigating the property after the HPAI was detected through the local wastewater surveillance system.

The HDOA mentioned that the virus found in Hawaii matches the strain that has affected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the U.S. mainland.

Due to the severe illness and high mortality rate caused by HPAI in birds, the HDOA has ordered the property to be quarantined, the birds depopulated, and the site thoroughly cleaned.

The HDOA has prohibited any animals from leaving the property.

Although the bird flu can affect humans, the risk of transmission and getting sick from it is currently low.

People are advised to avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, livestock, or wildlife to prevent infection, as stated by HDOA epidemiologist Sarah Kemble.

Symptoms of avian flu in humans include conjunctivitis and upper respiratory issues like sore throat and cough, with no reported sustained human-to-human transmission.

The HDOA received a report of up to 10 birds on the property on Nov. 12, including geese, ducks, and a zebra dove.

The origin of the avian influenza virus in Hawaii is currently unknown, but the state’s location on the Pacific flyway, a migratory path from the continental U.S., raises concerns. Strict quarantine measures are in place to prevent bird diseases from entering the state.

Since 2015, various state and federal agencies have been monitoring bird flu after an increase in reports across the country.

HDOA Veterinarian Isaac Maeda mentioned close collaboration with animal disease authorities from the USDA to address avian influenza issues affecting wild and captive bird populations.

The infected pig was discovered on a non-commercial farm in Crook County, Oregon, where it lived with chickens infected with the virus.

The USDA assured the public about the safety of the nation’s pork supply despite this finding.

Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the first human case of bird flu in Oregon, linked to a commercial poultry operation in Clackamas County where a significant number of birds were affected.

The report was contributed to by Aldgra Fredly.