Hawaii lies beneath the West Pacific Flyway
#19,392
In November of 2024 the state of Hawaii reported their first ever detections of HPAI H5N1, first in a wastewater sample on Oahu, followed by two outbreaks in captive and/or wild birds the following week. Subsequent detections were made in wastewater on the big island, in Hilo in December 2024, and at the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Kauaʻi in January 2025.
Proving this all wasn't just a fluke, in the fall of 2025 we saw at least 3 more detections. While concerning, none of these outbreaks involved the B3.13 `bovine' or D1.1 poultry/wild bird strains, which together had caused scores of human infections in the United Stats.
Today, however, we have the first detection of H5N1 genotype D1.1, again from a wastewater plant, this time on the island of Kauaʻi. This was an environmental sample from an unknown source, and does not establish an infectious virus, a human case, or community transmission.
First the DOH statement, after which I'll have more.
DOH REPORTS H5N1 AVIAN FLU DETECTED IN KAUAʻI COUNTY WASTEWATER SAMPLE
Posted on Oct 29, 2026 in Newsroom
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting that a wastewater sample from Kauaʻi County tested positive for H5N1 avian influenza. The sample was collected at a site in East Kauaʻi on Oct. 14, 2026. DOH was notified of the result on Oct. 26. This is the first detection of the H5N1 virus associated with this year’s seasonal bird migration and the first detection of genotype D1.1 in Hawaiʻi.
In the United States, genotype D1.1 has become the predominant genotype in infected wildlife and domestic poultry and there have also been isolated events of D1.1 infecting dairy cattle. DOH continues to test milk from the local dairy and there have been no detections of H5N1. A small number of human cases of genotype D1.1 have been reported nationally. Human cases of avian flu are rare, and most cases have not caused severe illness. No human-to-human transmission of H5N1 has been reported. Genotype A3 was the strain previously detected in Hawaiʻi.
“While the risk to the public remains low, avian influenza can cause severe illness and high mortality among certain bird populations, including poultry,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist, Dr. Nathan Tan..“Commercial poultry producers and residents with backyard flocks are strongly advised to increase biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of infection. Avian influenza can also infect dairy cows and while pasteurized milk is safe to consume, raw milk should be avoided.”
For the municipal wastewater sample collected on Oct. 14 by Kauaʻi County, digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) testing did not detect H5 avian influenza. However, genomic sequencing identified genetic material from H5N1 avian influenza genotype D1.1. The difference in results is not unusual: dPCR tests for specific genetic targets, while sequencing can identify genetic material present in very small amounts. A subsequent sample collected on Oct. 21 tested negative for H5 avian influenza by dPCR; genomic sequencing results for that sample are still being processed.
It is important to note that the detection of H5 genetic material in wastewater does not mean that live, infectious virus is present. Wastewater testing also cannot determine whether the source of the genetic material is animal, human or environmental contamination. An H5 signal does not confirm a clinical case or indicate community transmission. Instead, it serves as an early indicator that can prompt increased awareness and monitoring. The East Kauaʻi wastewater treatment plant is an open system, meaning the detection could be associated with a variety of sources, including contaminated products or waste from infected animals or people.
Wastewater sampling is routinely conducted across Hawaiʻi to support infectious disease surveillance. Samples are sent to the DOH State Laboratories Division (SLD) for dPCR testing, as well as to the University of Missouri for advanced genomic sequencing to identify bacterial and viral genetic material associated with community infections. Using both methods provides complementary information and strengthens Hawaiʻi’s ability to detect low-level signals in wastewater. In addition to SLD’s testing, H5 avian influenza is monitored in other Hawaiʻi counties through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) and WastewaterSCAN.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (HDAB) recommends the following precautions for residents who need to remove a dead wild bird from their property:
To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock or other wild birds or animals on any island in the state, contact HDAB’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7100 or email hdoa.ldc@hawaii.gov, Monday through Friday, from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For reports outside business hours or on holidays, call 808-837-8092.
- Wear disposable gloves or turn a plastic bag inside out and use it to pick up the carcass.
- Double-bag the carcass and dispose of it with regular trash.
- Wash your hands and disinfect your clothing and shoes after handling a dead wild bird.
- Monitor for any health symptoms that may develop afterward.
Residents who believe they may have been exposed to sick birds or other wildlife should contact the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division’s Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for additional guidance.
Roughly 5 months after the first outbreak, Hawaii's DOH Launched a Bird Flu Survey For Backyard Flock Owners & Bird Rescuers, whose findings were published over the summer of 2025.
The survey 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 were significant 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.
Regardless of happens next in Hawaii, the USDA's dashboard (below) indicates, this fall's avian flu season is already off to a vigorous start, with more than 2.5 million birds affected over the past 30 days.
The threat from H5N1 has grown markedly in the Western Hemisphere since 2022. Things we used to do without much thought - like raising a few chickens the backyard - carry more risks today.
While most commercial poultry producers have experience dealing with outbreaks, surveys indicate that backyard producers are generally less well aware of the signs of avian flu, and may be less inclined to wear PPE.
Which means, if you raise backyard birds, now would be a good time to familiarize yourselves with the risks of avian flu, and the things you can do to reduce those risks to you and your families.
UF/IFAS Extension: What Backyard Flock Owners Need to Know about Bird Flu (Influenza H5N1)
CDC Guidance Backyard Flock Owners and Bird Flu
