Hawaii - Avian influenza in wild birds 2025-2026

[Pathfinder]

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity


DOH, DAB, DLNR Investigate Possible Avian Flu Case in Waterfowl

Posted on Oct 14, 2025 in Main

Joint New Release from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the Department of Land and Natural Resources

Oct. 14, 2025

HONOLULU – Three state agencies are on alert after laboratory testing identified a presumptive case of avian influenza on Friday in an ailing duck that was found earlier in the week at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Preliminary testing of the bird revealed an unconfirmed result of the H5 subtype of influenza A virus. Confirmation and further characterization are pending an analysis by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

At this time, the risk of infection to humans is considered low.

H5N1 influenza A is highly infectious among wild birds and poultry and has caused outbreaks in animals, with one type infecting dairy cattle in the continental U.S. The virus, also is known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was first confirmed in Hawaiʻi in a backyard flock of birds in Central Oʻahu in November 2024. Human infections remain rare and are primarily linked to direct animal exposure. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) are monitoring health reports, poultry farms and wild bird populations for any signs the virus has spread.

The duck was found by a UH student, who reported it to the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center. The preliminary diagnosis came from tests conducted by the DOH State Laboratories Division. Those tests were sent to NVSL, which is expected to report results later this week or next week.

As Hawaiʻi enters migratory bird season, this latest case is a reminder that wild birds may carry diseases to the islands and the public should remain vigilant.

If you encounter sick or dead birds:

• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, contact Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays. Email: dabic@hawaii.gov.
• If you need to remove a dead wild bird from your property, wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out to pick up the carcass. Place the bird in a second bag, seal it and dispose of it with your regular household trash. Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect any clothing or shoes that may have come into contact with the bird. Monitor your health for any unusual symptoms afterward. For more information, visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs-hpai-dead-wild-bird.508.pdf

About H5N1 / Avian Influenza:

• H5N1 is an avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds; human infections are rare but can occur under close contact with infected animals.
• The public risk in Hawaiʻi is low at this time and DOH does not recommend limiting outdoor activity.
• Routine influenza vaccines in humans do not protect against H5N1; the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.
• For more information on avian flu, its symptoms and how to protect yourself, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/.

Seabird Fallout Season is here

Seabird fallout season (Sept. 15-Dec. 15) primarily affects young seabirds leaving their nesting burrows for the first time. The risk of these birds carrying H5N1 is very low. If you find a downed seabird, please help these young birds survive.

For more information, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/#response.

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https://dab.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr...lso is known,linked to direct animal exposure.

 

[Commonground]

Hawaii - Dept. of Agriculture and Biosecurity: INCREASED BIOSECURITY URGED TO PROTECT BIRDS FROM AVIAN INFLUENZA

October 15, 2025

HONOLULU – The presumptive case of avian influenza in a duck earlier this week on O‘ahu prompts a reminder from the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Animal Industry Division (AID) urging commercial poultry operations and backyard bird owners to increase biosecurity measures to protect their flocks from avian influenza, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The migratory season for birds through the Pacific flyway is ongoing and there has been a multiagency effort to monitor and conduct surveillance activities, as well as to prevent spread of the virus when and where possible.

In November 2024, a bird sanctuary in Wahiawā on O‘ahu was infected with the virus and DAB veterinarians conducted measures to disinfect the property and euthanized about 100 birds. That same month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service detected HPAI in a single duck at a North Shore wildlife refuge. Since those incidents, there had been no further detections of HPAI until this week.

Increasing Biosecurity

Information for poultry and bird owners on how to increase biosecurity for their flocks may be found at: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/adconcerns/aiinfo/biosec/ and https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...hpai-detections/livestock/enhance-biosecurity

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Hawai‘i Department of Health consider the human health risk from HPAI as “low.” However, those with close or prolonged exposure to infected birds and other infected animals or environments have a greater risk of infection and should take protective measures. CDC guidance for those working with animals may be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/prevention/worker-protection-ppe.html

Wild birds that carry avian influenza include waterbirds, like ducks, geese, swans and shorebirds. Bird flu viruses can easily spread from wild birds to poultry. Some wild birds can carry bird flu viruses without appearing sick, but poultry, like chickens and turkeys, can get very sick and die from some bird flu viruses. Backyard poultry, ducks and other birds can get avian influenza if they have contact with infected wild birds or share food, sources of water and environments with them. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep wild birds away from domestic birds. There is no approved treatment for HPAI in poultry. The only way to stop the disease among poultry operations is to depopulate all affected and exposed birds.

Some of the symptoms of avian influenza in poultry and birds include:

• Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness
• Lack of energy and appetite
• A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs
• Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles and shanks
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb and legs
• Gasping for air (difficulty breathing)
• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
• Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis)
• Stumbling or falling down
• Diarrhea

Reporting Sick or Dead Birds

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact the DAB AID at 808-483-7100, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email: dabic@hawaii.gov. Please provide as much detail on the number of sick or dead birds, the species of birds and the exact location. Not all dead birds will be tested, depending on the situation.

When removing dead birds:

• Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.
• Double-bag the carcass and throw it out with the regular trash.
• Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.
• Be mindful of any health symptoms that may develop afterward.

View the DAB public service announcement on the reporting of dead birds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EYssQ00GOI

Animals Other Than Birds

Besides birds, HPAI can infect other animals, including cattle, cats, dogs, goats, seals and other mammals. Eliminating or decreasing exposure to wild birds is also highly recommended.

Pet owners concerned about possible HPAI infection should contact their private veterinarian for advice.

Resources on HPAI:

DAB Animal Disease Control: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/avian-influenza-information/

USDA: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza

• Prevent Avian Influenza at Your Farm: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hpaifactsheet_wildlife-biosecurity.pdf
• What to do if You find a Dead Bird: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fs-hpai-dead-wild-bird.508.pdf
• Defend the Flock: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/defend-the-flock
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza
• DOH avian influenza information: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/
• CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html

Links to informational flyers:

• Backyard Poultry Owners – Protection from bird flu
• Poultry and Livestock Farmers & Workers

• • Personal Protective Equipment for Workers
• Information for Hunters

​https://dab.hawaii.gov/blog/main/nr25-25avianflubiosecurity/

 

[Pathfinder]

Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Last Modified: November 12, 2025
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State County Collection Date Date Detected HPAI Strain Bird Species WOAH Classification Sampling Method

Hawaii	Maui	10/24/2025	11/5/2025	EA H5N1	Northern pintail	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality
Hawaii	Honolulu	10/9/2025	10/13/2025	EA H5N1	Northern pintail	Wild bird	Morbidity/Mortality

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https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestoc...an/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds

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[Pathfinder]

11/14/25 – STATE AGENCIES RESPOND TO SECOND CONFIRMED CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HAWAIʻI

Posted on Nov 14, 2025 in Forestry & Wildlife, Main, News Releases, slider, slider

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR

DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON

STATE AGENCIES RESPOND TO SECOND CONFIRMED CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HAWAIʻI



HONOLULU – Three state agencies are on alert after a second case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was confirmed in a migratory duck – this time on the island of Maui. This is the first confirmed detection of H5N1 on Maui.

The Northern pintail (koloa māpu) was found along the Wailea shoreline and submitted to the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Wildlife Health Center – Honolulu Field Station. Samples were sent to the National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin, where it tested positive for influenza H5. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa later confirmed the bird was infected with the H5N1 virus.

H5N1 is a highly infectious and often lethal subtype of influenza A that primarily affects birds but can sometimes be transmitted to humans. H5N1 was first detected in Hawaiʻi in November 2024 in a backyard flock in Central Oʻahu and subsequently in a hybrid duck from the north shore of Oʻahu. This Maui case follows the October 2025 confirmation of H5N1 in another koloa māpu found on Oʻahu at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa campus.

This year to date, the USGS has tested 77 birds for influenza all of which have been negative except for the Maui koloa māpu. Given these data, the risk of infection to humans and poultry remains low.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) continue coordinated monitoring of public health reports, poultry operations and wild bird populations for any signs of virus spread.

During the Hawaiʻi migratory bird season, migratory birds may carry diseases to the islands, so the public should remain vigilant.

If you encounter sick or dead birds such as waterfowl:

• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• If capture of a dead or sick bird is necessary for investigation or handling is necessary by wildlife professionals, use gloves, minimize contact and follow biosafety protocols.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays. You may also e-mail HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.

Continued Public Support Needed for Seabird Fallout Response

State agencies also remind the public that we continue to rely on community participation in responding to seabird fallout events, especially during peak fledgling seasons. If you find a grounded seabird – such as a wedge-tailed shearwater – please report it and consider assisting the bird by bringing it into a rescue facility. If you find a downed seabird and decide to rescue it, you can follow recommendations and information provided by the State Department of Health and guidance from the Centers of Disease Control. Practice proper hygiene and sanitize hands, clothes, towels and other items after handling any animal. Community assistance remains critical to ensuring these birds receive timely care and can be returned safely to the wild. For more information visit:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/

About H5N1 / Avian Influenza:

• H5N1 is an avian influenza virus that primarily affects birds; human infections are rare but can occur from close contact with infected birds.
• The public risk in Hawaiʻi is low at this time and DOH does not recommend limiting outdoor activity.
• Routine influenza vaccines in humans do not protect against H5N1; the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.

For more information, visit:

https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/



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https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2025/11/14/nr25-130/

 

[Pathfinder]

Koloa Maoli: The Hawaiian Duck
/https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/koloa/

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12/11/25 – STATE AGENCIES RESPOND TO THIRD POSSIBLE CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HAWAIʻI

Posted on Dec 11, 2025 in Forestry & Wildlife, Main, News Releases, slider

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR

DAWN CHANG CHAIRPERSON

STATE AGENCIES RESPOND TO THIRD POSSIBLE CASE OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN HAWAIʻI



HONOLULU – Three state agencies remain on alert after a third presumptive case of avian influenza was found in a wild bird — this time in an endangered native duck on Kauaʻi. Preliminary testing performed by the Hawaiʻi State Laboratory showed the bird was infected with an influenza A virus, though confirmation and subtype identification (e.g., H5N1) are pending further analysis by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

A Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) was found sick on November 26 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge in Hanalei, Kauaʻi. The bird died within 24 hours.

H5N1 is a highly infectious and often deadly subtype of influenza A that mainly affects birds. Human infections are rare but can occur with close contact. Hawaiʻi’s first detection of H5N1 occurred in November 2024 in a backyard flock on Oʻahu, followed by a hybrid duck found on Oʻahu’s North Shore. This year, two additional cases have been confirmed in migratory Koloa Māpu ducks—one on Oʻahu and one on Maui. This Kauaʻi detection is the first potential case in a native bird, likely introduced through infected migratory waterfowl.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB), and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) continue coordinated monitoring of public health reports, poultry operations and wild bird populations for any signs of virus spread.

With migratory bird season underway, more birds traveling through the islands may carry avian diseases and it is recommended that the public avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.

If you encounter sick or dead birds, such as waterfowl:

• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• If capturing a dead or sick bird is necessary, wear gloves, minimize contact and follow biosafety protocols.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact DAB’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays. Send email to DABIC@hawaii.gov

About H5N1/Avian Influenza:

• H5N1 is an avian influenza virus that mainly affects birds; human infections are uncommon but can happen following close contact with infected birds.
• The public risk in Hawaiʻi is currently low, so the DOH does not recommend restricting outdoor activities.
• Routine influenza vaccines in humans do not protect against H5N1; the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.

For more information, visit:

DOH: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/

DAB: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/avian-influenza-information/

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​https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2025/12/11/nr25-141/

 

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2026...t-died-in-hanalei-confirmed-to-have-bird-flu/

Kauai duck confirmed dead from bird flu in Hanalei
By Nina Wu
Jan. 13, 2026 • Last updated 2:40 p.m.

State officials today confirmed that a sick Hawaiian duck found at the Hanalei Wildlife Refuge on Kauai a few months ago likely died of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The endangered, native duck was found sick on Nov. 26 at the refuge, and died within 24 hours. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources was awaiting results from the National Veterinary Services Laboratories and can now confirm it carried the deadly H5N1 subtype of influenza A or bird flu.​..

 

[Pathfinder]

1/13/26 – Avian Influenza Case Confirmed; No Additional Detections in Hawaiʻi

Posted on Jan 13, 2026 in Forestry & Wildlife, Main, News Releases, slider

JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR

RYAN KANAKAʻOLE ACTING CHAIRPERSON

AVIAN INFLUENZA CASE CONFIRMED; NO ADDITIONAL DETECTIONS IN HAWAIʻI



HONOLULU – A case of avian influenza has now been confirmed in a Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) found sick on November 26 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei Wildlife Refuge in Hanalei, Kauaʻi. The bird which died within 24 hours of being found was recently confirmed positive by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

Avian influenza is a highly infectious and often deadly subtype of influenza A that mainly affects birds. Human infections are rare but can occur with close contact. This Kauaʻi detection was likely introduced through an infected migratory waterfowl.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity (DAB), and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) continue coordinated monitoring of public health reports, poultry operations and wild bird populations for any signs of virus spread.

With migratory bird season underway, more birds traveling through the islands may carry avian diseases and it is recommended that the public avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.

If you encounter sick or dead birds, such as waterfowl:

• Avoid touching or handling wild birds, especially waterfowl or shorebirds.
• If capturing a dead or sick bird is necessary, wear gloves, minimize contact and follow biosafety protocols.
• To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals, contact DAB’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays. Send email to DABIC@hawaii.gov

About Avian Influenza:

• Avian influenza is a virus that mainly affects birds; human infections are uncommon but can happen following close contact with infected birds.
• The public risk in Hawaiʻi is currently low, so the DOH does not recommend restricting outdoor activities.
• Routine influenza vaccines in humans do not protect against avian influenza; the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick or dead birds.

For more information, visit:

DOH: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/

DAB: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/ldc/avian-influenza-information/

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​https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2026/01/13/nr26-04/