Avian influenza strain H5N1 was identified in backyard birds on Oʻahu on November 15, 2024. While the disease has not been detected in native seabirds, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is urging rescuers to take extra precautions when handling birds due to the low risk of human transmission.
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) within DLNR has updated its seabird rescue guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission. Individuals who find multiple dead or sick birds should contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7106 during business hours or 808-837-8092 outside business hours. For those who encounter a lone downed seabird, guidance is available on the DLNR DOFAW website, which includes contact information for wildlife professionals across different islands.
Rescuers transporting injured seabirds are advised to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, facemasks, eye protection, protective gowns, and footwear. Proper hygiene practices should be followed by sanitizing hands, clothes, towels, and other items after handling any animal.
Existing guidelines for transporting downed seabirds remain unchanged. Rescuers are cautioned to carefully assess whether to approach a seabird. Ground-nesting birds may sit in front of their burrows exercising their wings; if a bird near a burrow does not appear injured, it likely is not distressed and should be left alone.