The Hawai‘i Department of Health's State Laboratories Division has identified H5 avian influenza in a wastewater sample from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant on Hawaiʻi Island. This detection, made on December 2, marks the first time bird flu has been found on a neighbor island.
Wastewater testing could not specify whether this is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 subtype recently discovered on Oʻahu. In November 2024, the presence of the H5N1 virus was confirmed in a backyard flock in Central Oʻahu, which differed genetically from strains affecting birds and dairy cows on the U.S. mainland.
Though public risk remains low, HPAI poses severe illness risks with high mortality among poultry and other bird populations. The Department advises commercial poultry producers and those with backyard flocks to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent infection. While pasteurized milk remains safe for consumption, raw milk should be avoided due to potential risks.
For reporting unusual illnesses in poultry or livestock, residents can contact the HDOA Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102 during business hours or 808-837-8092 after hours. Those who suspect exposure to sick birds or wildlife should reach out to the Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586 for guidance.