Hawaii lies beneath the West Pacific Flyway
#18,812
Until last fall, the state of Hawaii had never detected any signs of the HPAI H5 virus, even though it lies beneath the West Pacific migratory bird flyway. That happy status ended in November of 2024 when the virus was detected at a wastewater plant on Oahu.
No human infections were reported (see Hawaii DOH Statement on Negative Testing Of Human Contacts to H5 Infected Flocks), and on Nov 22nd, we learned that the H5N1 genotype was A3 - which was first detected in Alaska in 2022 - and which supports the idea the virus arrived via migratory birds.Three days later Hawaii's Dept of Agriculture Reported the 1st Detection of HPAI H5 in a backyard flock of birds on Oahu, followed a week later by a 2nd Detection in a wild duck on Oahu.
In mid-December the DOH reported that H5 had been Detected in Wastewater in Hilo, which was followed in January by several reports of H5 detected at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi..
Even before the arrival of bird flu, the cost of eggs in Hawaii was the highest in the nation, making the raising backyard chickens very popular (cite), and feral chickens are a common sight.
Last March we looked at Hawaii's DOH announced plans to launch a Bird Flu Survey For Backyard Flock Owners & Bird Rescuers, to gauge the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of State of Hawaii residents who may be at greater risk of exposure to the virus.
This survey was done 5 nearly months after the initial - and highly publicized - outbreak in Hawaii. It was restricted to local residents aged 18 years or older who either keep birds at home, perform animal rescue, or engage in other bird-related activities.
As the following excerpt from the Hawaii DOH press release indicates, there are major gaps in the understanding of bird flu risks, and best practices, among these high-risk cohorts.
Posted on Jul 24, 2025 in Newsroom
HONOLULU — A survey by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) finds that while most local residents are aware that the bird flu had been detected in Hawai‘i, roughly two-thirds of flock owners had been unaware of related best practices.
In March 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) invited Hawaiʻi residents who keep backyard flocks or are involved in bird rescue to participate in a survey aimed at gathering important data on bird flu awareness and preparedness.
The anonymous, online survey collected information on the understanding of bird flu, as well as the practices and needs of those who keep poultry or care for rescued birds.
Among the findings:
- About two-thirds of backyard flock owners across the state reported they were not at all familiar with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Defend the Flock recommended practices to prevent bird flu.
- Two-thirds of survey respondents also reported not knowing how to properly and safely remove and dispose of dead birds.
- Most respondents (84%) were aware that bird flu had been detected in Hawaiʻi, and of the H5N1 variant that causes the flu.
- Most respondents (72%) said they were very or somewhat concerned about the bird flu.
- The top source of health information for the majority (76%) of Hawaiʻi residents is their doctor, which they ranked as very or somewhat trustworthy.
To be eligible to participate, individuals needed to be Hawaiʻi residents aged 18 years or older who keep at least one poultry bird at home, were involved in bird rescue activities, or have had direct contact with birds in the past year for other reasons.
In total, there were 420 survey responses. Of the 420 total responses, 237 respondents met the survey eligibility criteria and completed the survey entirely. Respondents participated from five islands in the state of Hawaiʻi: 43% from Hawaiʻi Island, 35% from Oʻahu, 10% from Kauaʻi, 10% from Maui, and 2% from Molokaʻi.(Continue . . . . )
The report of DOH Bird Flu Survey findings is published on the DOH website, along with more information on bird flu: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/. Additional information can be found at the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s avian flu website.
Screenshots from the full survey document:
Since 2020 there has been a significant increase in the number of people who have decided to raise backyard poultry - especially hens for eggs - across the United States (see Chicken Coops Market Outlook 2025 to 2035)
The APPA estimates `Eleven (11) million U.S. households own backyard chickens (a 28% increase from 2023)'
While the CDC has released guidelines (see Backyard Flock Owners: Protect Yourself from Bird Flu) - it is unknown how many backyard poultry owners have actually read it, or would bother to follow their recommendations.
And while H5Nx is our biggest concern, there are other avian subtypes which have been reported in North America with zoonotic potential, including several subtypes of H7.
This recent increase in backyard poultry raising has also been linked to increases in E. Coli and Salmonella infections, including the following ongoing CDC investigation:
A reminder that there are genuine health risks related to the raising backyard poultry, and specific knowledge and skills are required to reduce those risks.
Those considering such an endeavor may want to visit the Small and backyard poultry extension website, which provides a wealth of free articles, blogs, and webinars on poultry raising.
