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The state departments of Health and Agriculture and Biosecurity are urging residents, particularly backyard poultry owners, to take precautions as migratory birds return to Hawaii and the risk of avian influenza increases.
Hawaii lies along the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route between North America and the Pacific. Migratory birds can spread diseases to domestic and wild birds, making seasonal monitoring and prevention important.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza previously was detected in a backyard flock on Oahu. State and federal agencies continue to monitor wild and domestic birds for signs of infection.
"Good biosecurity practices can reduce the risk of bringing disease onto your property and help protect Hawaii's poultry and bird populations," Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, said in a news release.
Backyard flock owners should keep domestic birds away from wild birds and prevent wild birds from accessing feed and water. Owners also should limit visitors around their flocks, wash their hands before and after handling birds, and use dedicated or clean clothing and footwear when caring for poultry.
Equipment, cages and other materials should be cleaned and disinfected before being moved between poultry areas or properties. Owners should monitor their birds for signs of illness and report unusual illnesses or deaths, particularly when multiple birds are affected.
The agencies said the risk of avian influenza infection among the general public in Hawaii remains low. People should avoid touching sick or dead wild birds.
Residents who encounter multiple sick or dead birds, or unusual illnesses or deaths among poultry or other animals, should call the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 during business hours or 808-837-8092 after hours and on holidays.
People who have contact with sick or dead birds and develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or conjunctivitis should contact their health care provider and the Department of Health Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.