Voluntary pause on interisland movement of poultry, other birds to prevent spread of avian flu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Following the detection of avian flu in Hawaii’s wastewater and wild birds, state agencies are urging the public to voluntarily pause the interisland movement of poultry and other bird species for 90 days, effective immediately.

This recommendation came from the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture director as a proactive measure aimed at mitigating the virus’ spread.

Prior to November of this year, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) had not been detected in Hawaii. Although this strain has been circulating in the continental U.S., Europe, and Asia, Hawaii was the last U.S. state to confirm infections among birds.

Officials said the HPAI strain in Hawaii was likely introduced by migrating birds from northern regions around Alaska.

Spread occurs through bird-to-bird contact or when birds come into contact with contaminated materials, equipment or clothing from infected birds.

The coordinated response involves multiple agencies:

• The Department of Land and Natural Resources, which oversees the management of wild birds on state lands.
• The Hawaii Department of Agriculture, responsible for domestic birds.
• The Department of Health, which monitors human health concerns related to the virus.

Officials said while the potential for transmission to humans is low, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant. Sick pets should be reported to their veterinarian. The public is also urged to report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals to HDOA at (808) 483-7100 (business hours) or (808) 837-8092 (non-business hours, including holidays).

Any residents who develop symptoms of avian influenza after exposure to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH disease reporting line at (808) 586-4586 for further guidance.

State experts acknowledge the challenges of controlling wild bird movements and agree that limiting the interisland movement of domestic birds during this voluntary period will significantly reduce transmission risks.

The agencies are also collecting data to assess the feasibility and necessity of a formal quarantine while carefully considering the potential economic impacts of premature restrictions on local products.

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