The National Veterinary Services Laboratories has confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a wild duck on the North Shore of O‘ahu. The USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services (USDA-APHIS-WS) reported that the infected bird was a hybrid duck, part mallard, among ten samples collected from the area. Surveillance efforts are ongoing with cooperation from multiple agencies, including USDA-APHIS-WS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
This marks the second confirmed instance of avian influenza in Hawai‘i following an outbreak at a bird sanctuary in Wahiawā on November 15, 2024. In response to that incident, 70 birds were depopulated and disposed of properly, and sanitation measures were implemented at the site.
Hawai‘i was the last state in the U.S. to detect HPAI. Experts suggest that the virus likely arrived via the Pacific flyway—a migratory route that includes Hawai‘i—and both cases have been identified as stemming from the Eurasian strain associated with migratory birds.
State Veterinarian Isaac Maeda commented on this development: “This detection of HPAI is an indication that the virus may be spread on O‘ahu via the wild bird population.” He advised poultry owners to prevent contact between their birds and wild birds and discouraged feeding wild birds to reduce disease transmission risks.
Symptoms of avian influenza can be severe in poultry but may not always be apparent in wild birds. Poultry owners noticing high mortality rates should contact veterinarians or Hawai‘i's Division of Animal Industry for assistance.
Resources for enhancing biosecurity for flocks are available online through various organizations including HDOA and USDA. While some wild birds can carry avian influenza without symptoms, domestic poultry such as chickens and turkeys are vulnerable to severe illness or death if exposed. The CDC notes that common songbirds typically do not carry harmful strains of bird flu.
There is no treatment for HPAI; controlling outbreaks requires depopulating affected poultry operations.
Further information about avian influenza can be accessed through resources provided by HDOA, USDA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, DOH, and CDC.