About Avian Influenza (H5N1)
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds that occurs worldwide. Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. The disease is significant to the US poultry industry due to impact to animal health and the economy. The virus is detected in migratory birds on the US mainland each year and may spillover into domestic poultry populations. Hawai’i had its first detection in 2024 which likely traveled with migratory birds.
How Does Avian Influenza Get to Hawaiʻi?
The most likely route for avian influenza to reach Hawaiʻi is through migratory birds that mingle with other wild birds. The virus is primarily spread through direct, bird-to-bird contact.
Signs of Avian Influenza in Birds
Poultry that are infected by avian influenza will display the following signs:
- Extreme Depression
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids,
- comb, wattle
- Decreased egg production
- Sudden unexplained death
To determine if avian influenza virus is the cause of illness, a sample must be collected and tested in a laboratory.
Steps to protect your flock
Limit visitors to your flock.
Keep your birds separated from wild birds by enclosing feeding areas
Use clean hands and equipment when caring for your birds
Report Sick or Dying Birds
Death of individual birds: Owners of backyard poultryflocks should NOT
report individual bird deaths to Industry Division. Consultation with a local veterinarian is recommended. Sudden death of multiple birds from a commercial or backyard poultry flock should be reported to:
Animal Industry Division
During normal business hours: Phone: 808-483-7100 Outside of business hours: 808-837-8092
Email: [email protected]Sea Birds or Native Bird Species
Contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Phone: 808 587-0166
Email: [email protected]