#18,354
Despite being located thousands of miles from the mainland - and never having previously reported HPAI - last November Hawaii reported the detection of the H5 virus at a local (Oahu) wastewater treatment plant.
The good news is that genetic analysis showed that this was an older genotype (A3) - which was first detected in Alaska in 2022 - and has not been linked to human, or cattle, infection. But it demonstrated that HPAI viruses could hitch a ride on migratory birds to a remote island chain in the middle of the Pacific.A month later, another treatment plant on Hilo reported the virus. In between, we learned of at least two outbreaks in captive and/or wild birds on Oahu.
And if it happened once . . . it could happen again.
While no human cases have been reported from Hawaii, serological studies (see here and here) have shown that mild (or even subclinical) H5 infections may occurring, but going undetected. Even when testing is undertaken, there is a narrow `window' during which the virus may be detected, leading to potential false-negatives.
The raising of backyard chickens is common in Hawaii (cite), and - much like where I live in Florida - feral chickens are a common sight. As on the mainland, the rising price of eggs may be driving more people towards raising backyard birds.
In order to get a better handle on the the number, and practices, and bird flu awareness of backyard poultry owners - yesterday the Hawaii Dept of Health launched a (voluntary) bird flu survey for flock owners and bird rescuers.
First the announcement, after which I'll have a bit more.
DOH LAUNCHES BIRD FLU SURVEY FOR BACKYARD FLOCK OWNERS AND BIRD RESCUERSPosted on Mar 3, 2025 in Newsroom
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is inviting Hawaiʻi residents who keep backyard flocks or are involved in bird rescue, to participate in a new survey aimed at gathering important data on bird flu awareness and preparedness.
The survey will collect critical information on the understanding of bird flu, as well as the practices and needs of those who keep poultry or care for rescued birds.
“We want to better understand the potential exposures that backyard flock owners and bird rescuers face when it comes to avian influenza, so we can help prevent future human bird flu infections in partnership with the community,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, Hawaiʻi state epidemiologist. “By reaching out through both digital and in-person methods, we hope to get wide participation and honest feedback.”
The survey will be anonymous and accessible online through the following link: https://redcap.link/birdflusurvey
Only Hawaiʻi residents who keep at least one poultry bird at home, those involved in bird rescue activities, or those having direct contact with birds in the past year for other reasons are requested to participate at this time. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey as soon as possible to help the DOH collect valuable insights.
The outreach strategy for this survey includes posting the survey link in various Facebook groups dedicated to Hawaiʻi backyard flock owners and bird rescuers. Additionally, flyers with QR codes linking to the survey will be distributed in poultry feed stores and other animal care venues across the state.
Questions about the survey or bird flu may be directed to the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or doh.docd.dib@doh.hawaii.gov. If you have symptoms and a known exposure within the past 10 days, please contact your primary care provider for evaluation and testing, as well as the DOH Disease Reporting Line for further guidance.
More information on bird flu can be found on the DOH website: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/
While the risks from avian flu remain low for the general population, those who have close contact with poultry, livestock, or wild birds, are at somewhat greater risk.
The fatal H5N1 case from Louisiana and the recent hospitalized case in Wyoming both appear to have been infected via backyard and/or wild birds, while the CDC lists 2 dozen additional cases linked to poultry farms and culling operations.
Last August the WHO published Interim Guidance to Reduce the Risk of Infection in People Exposed to Avian Influenza Viruses, which lists a number of `risk factors', including:
- keep live poultry in their backyards or homes, or who purchase live birds at markets;
- slaughter, de-feather and/or butcher poultry or other animals at home;
Similarly, PAHO (the Pan-American Health Organization) states on their Avian Influenza landing page:
- handle and prepare raw poultry for further cooking and consumption;
Transmission
The most common way for the virus to enter a territory is through migratory wild birds. The main risk factor for transmission from birds to humans is direct or indirect contact with infected animals or with environments and surfaces contaminated by feces. Plucking, handling infected poultry carcasses, and preparing poultry for consumption, especially in domestic settings, may also be risk factors.
And over the years we've seen scores of anecdotal accounts (mostly from Asia) of H5 infections from close contact with poultry, including the latest fatal case from Cambodia.
While the risks posed by backyard poultry are likely still very low - and can be largely mitigated by taking proper precautions - they are not zero.
Which is a lesson we really don't want to have to learn the hard way.
