Hawaii’s first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has raised concerns about potential transmission and sparked a coordinated response from state and federal authorities.
At a Glance
- Hawaii reported its first case of HPAI in domestic birds, marking the state’s entry into the ongoing national outbreak
- The outbreak was detected in non-poultry birds in Honolulu County, with potential exposure at the Mililani Pet Fair
- Nationwide, 49 flocks have been confirmed with HPAI in the past 30 days, affecting approximately 6.2 million birds
- Human infection risk remains low, but fair attendees are advised to monitor for flu-like symptoms
- State and federal authorities are coordinating efforts to manage the outbreak
Hawaii’s First HPAI Outbreak
Hawaii has joined the list of states grappling with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the first case in domestic birds in Hawaii during the current outbreak, which began in February 2022. This development has put local authorities on high alert, as they work to contain the spread and protect both avian and human populations.
The outbreak was initially detected in non-poultry birds in Honolulu County, raising concerns about possible transmission at the Mililani Pet Fair. Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) has issued an alert regarding potential public exposure at the event. While human infection rates are considered low, the department is taking precautionary measures.
Public Health Response
In response to the outbreak, health officials are urging vigilance among those who attended the Mililani Pet Fair. The DOH has provided specific guidance for fair attendees who may have come into contact with potentially infected birds.
“However, out of an abundance of caution, DOH recommends that individuals who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose monitor for influenza-like illness (ILI) and conjunctivitis (pink eye) symptoms,” Hawaii’s Department of Health (DOH) said.
This cautious approach reflects the seriousness with which health authorities are treating the situation, even as they emphasize that the risk to humans remains low. The DOH’s recommendations aim to ensure early detection and prevention of any potential human cases.
National Context and Implications
Hawaii’s outbreak is part of a larger national trend of HPAI cases across the United States. In the past 30 days alone, 49 flocks have been confirmed with HPAI, affecting approximately 6.2 million birds. California has been hit particularly hard, with 26 flocks and 5.21 million birds infected, making it the most affected state.
“This is the first case of HPAI in domestic birds in Hawaii during this outbreak, which began in February 2022,” the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed.
The spread of HPAI across the country has raised concerns about its potential impact on poultry production and wildlife conservation efforts. Wild birds, which can carry HPAI without showing symptoms, may spread the virus during migration, complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.
Human Health Considerations
While the focus remains on avian populations, health officials are also monitoring the potential for human cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 53 human cases of avian influenza in the U.S., primarily among poultry and dairy workers. However, these cases appear to be isolated incidents of animal-to-human transmission.
“All recent cases have occurred in workers on affected farms. All available data so far suggest sporadic instances of animal-to-human spread,” the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated.
It’s important to note that no human-to-human spread of bird flu has been documented in any country for over 15 years, which provides some reassurance about the current risk to public health. Nevertheless, authorities remain vigilant, continuing to monitor and respond to the evolving situation to protect both animal and human health.
