The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division has identified traces of H5 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, in wastewater samples from the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi. The initial detection occurred on December 11, 2024, but was deemed too low to be considered a positive result. Subsequent samples collected on December 18, 2024, and January 8, 2025, showed similar low-level detections.
Although these findings are not classified as positive results, they suggest a strong possibility that the H5 bird flu virus is present on Kauaʻi. To date, there have been no reported infections of birds, dairy cows, or humans with the H5 virus on the island. Bird flu infections in Hawai'i have so far been limited to Oʻahu.
The detected viruses include the H5N1 subtype known for its global spread among birds since its discovery in 1996. This subtype has also recently been found in several mammal species such as dairy cows. Current wastewater testing cannot specify if this is indeed the H5N1 subtype.
In November 2024, Hawai'i confirmed the presence of an H5N1 strain in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oʻahu. This strain differed from those affecting birds and dairy cows on the U.S. mainland and was later detected at a treatment plant on Hawaiʻi Island.
Despite these developments, public risk remains low according to officials. However, bird flu can lead to severe illness with high mortality rates among certain bird populations like poultry. The DOH advises commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks to enhance biosecurity measures to prevent infection risks.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) offers guidelines for safely removing dead wild birds from properties: wear disposable gloves or use an inverted plastic bag to handle carcasses; double-bag them before disposal; wash hands thoroughly and disinfect clothing and shoes afterward; remain vigilant for any health symptoms following contact.
For reporting unusual illnesses in animals across any Hawaiian island or seeking guidance after potential exposure to sick wildlife, residents can contact relevant authorities via provided phone numbers or email addresses during specified hours.
Additional resources regarding avian influenza are available through various organizations including HDOA's Animal Disease Control division and federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).