DOH AND DAB URGE VIGILANCE AS MIGRATORY BIRDS RETURN TO HAWAIʻI

HONOLULU - As migratory birds begin their seasonal return to Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) are reminding residents, particularly people who keep backyard poultry or other birds, to take precautions to reduce the risk of avian influenza and other infectious diseases.

Hawaiʻi is located along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route for birds traveling between North America and the Pacific. Migratory birds can carry and spread diseases to other birds, making seasonal surveillance and prevention particularly important.

Hawaiʻi has previously detected highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a backyard flock on Oʻahu and state and federal agencies continue to monitor wild and domestic birds for signs of infection.

"The return of migratory birds is a good reminder for everyone, especially backyard flock owners, to take simple steps to protect their birds and themselves," said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the DAB. "Hawaiʻi residents can continue to enjoy wild birds from a distance while taking simple precautions. Good biosecurity practices can reduce the risk of bringing disease onto your property and help protect Hawaiʻi's poultry and bird populations."

People who keep chickens, ducks or other birds are encouraged to:

• Limit contact between domestic birds and wild birds. Keep poultry in enclosed areas when possible and prevent wild birds from accessing feed and water.
• Limit visitors around your flock. Anyone who handles birds should follow appropriate biosecurity practices.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling birds or entering areas where birds are kept.
• Use dedicated or clean footwear and clothing when caring for birds; clean and disinfect footwear, clothing, tools and equipment that may come into contact with birds or their droppings.
• Clean and disinfect equipment before moving it between poultry areas or properties. Avoid sharing equipment, cages or other materials between flocks, unless they can be properly cleaned and disinfected.
• Monitor birds for signs of illness. Report unusual illness or deaths, particularly when multiple birds are affected.

These practices are consistent with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Defend the Flock recommendations for preventing the spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases among poultry.

Members of the public should avoid touching sick or dead wild birds. Residents who encounter multiple sick or dead birds, or unusual illness or deaths among poultry or other animals, should contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 during business hours or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.

The risk of avian influenza infection to the general public in Hawaiʻi remains low. Human infections are uncommon and have primarily occurred following close contact with infected animals. People who have direct contact with sick or dead birds or other animals and subsequently develop symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or conjunctivitis should contact their healthcare provider and the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for guidance.

For more information, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Health's avian influenza webpage and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Office of Public Health Preparedness avian flu resources. Backyard flock owners can also review the USDA's Defend the Flock biosecurity resources.

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