Three state agencies are on alert after a second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in a migratory duck, this time on Maui.
Officials said it is the first confirmed detection of H5N1 on Maui.
The Northern pintail, or koloa mapu, was found along the Wailea shoreline and submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center-Honolulu Field Station, according to a joint news release today from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.
Samples were sent to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wis., where it tested positive for influenza H5, the release said. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa later confirmed the bird was infected with the H5N1 virus.
“H5N1 is a highly infectious and often lethal subtype of influenza A that primarily affects birds but can sometimes be transmitted to humans,” the release said. It was first detected in Hawaii in November 2024 in a backyard flock in Central Oahu and subsequently in a hybrid duck from the north shore of Oahu.
This Maui case follows last month’s confirmation of H5N1 in another koloa mapu found on the University of Hawaii’s Manoa campus on Oahu, the release said.
This year to date, the USGS has tested 77 birds for influenza, all of which have been negative except for the Maui koloa mapu. Given the data, the risk of infection to humans and poultry remains low and DOH does not recommend limiting outdoor activity, the release said.
Routine influenza vaccines in humans do not protect against H5N1; officials said the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
The three state departments “continue coordinated monitoring of public health reports, poultry operations and wild bird populations for any signs of virus spread.”
“During the Hawaii migratory bird season, migratory birds may carry diseases to the islands, so the public should remain vigilant,” the release said.
If you encounter sick or dead birds such as waterfowl:
• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• If capture of a dead or sick bird is necessary for investigation or handling is necessary by wildlife professionals, use gloves, minimize contact and follow biosafety protocols.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during nonbusiness hours and holidays. You may also e-mail HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.
For more information, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/.
Source: The Garden Island