Trace Of Bird Flu Detected In Oahu Wastewater
The state Department of Agriculture is encouraging poultry and egg farmers to be vigilant for signs of avian influenza.
The state has detected avian influenza in Oahu’s wastewater system and is advising Hawaii’s egg and poultry farmers to be on the lookout for telltale signs of the disease.
Commonly known as bird flu, H5N1 Avian Influenza can be deadly for both humans and birds. It was detected in a routine sampling conducted Nov. 7, and confirmed Tuesday.
There have not been any reports of the disease among birds or humans in Hawaii and the overall risk to humans is low, according to the state Department of Health.
The state agriculture and health departments are encouraging residents to stay away from birds, livestock or wild animals as much as possible and are asking that farmers watch for signs of symptoms.
There have been no confirmed cases of human-to-human transmission of bird flu in the U.S., though there have been widespread infections among birds and mammals on the U.S. mainland. Those cases have led to large-scale killing of flocks in the egg and poultry industry.
Veterinary Medical Officer Raquel Wong of the Department of Agriculture said it is “really difficult to say” if the detection is cause for concern.
Hawaii has long had measures in place to control what birds come into the state, requiring permits and isolation periods for those brought from the mainland.
Some species of migratory birds could transmit variants of bird flu in Hawaii, such as golden plovers, or kolea, which carry the virus but are not affected.
Avian flu is also a cold-weather virus, thriving under consistent sub-70-degree weather.
Symptoms for birds include:
- Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Misshapen, soft-shelled eggs or a drop in egg production
- Swelling of the shanks, eyelids, comb and wattles
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
- Twisting of the head and neck
- Stumbling or falling down
- Diarrhea
Poultry and bird owners that notice a high death rate in their flocks are encouraged to call the DOA, (808) 483-7102, or after business hours, (808) 837-8092.
“Hawaii Grown” is funded in part by grants from the Stupski Foundation, Ulupono Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation.
