Hawaiian officials are concerned after Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza was found in wild birds and wastewater on the islands. In response, they’ve recommended a 90-day pause on moving poultry and birds between islands. This precaution follows the spread of the virus across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, with Hawaii being the last state in the U.S. to report cases, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Despite the strain most likely flying in with migrating birds from the chill North around Alaska, the state isn't cooling down its efforts. The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Health have united, recommending the public to hold their birds home. Until recently in November, our island state had been spared from the HPAI's grasp, but now authorities, including Moloka‘i State Senator and farmer Lynn DeCoite, urge the public to play it safe as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread, according to the Department of Agriculture.
The Department of Health is asking people to report any sick pets or unusual signs in local birds or wildlife. If you’ve been around sick poultry and start feeling unwell, they want to hear from you too. While the risk of humans catching bird flu is low, they recommend staying alert. Experts are careful about controlling wild bird movements, but they believe keeping household flocks grounded could help stop the spread, as reported by the Department of Agriculture.
Adding his chirp to the conversation, State Senator and veterinarian Dr. Tim Richards said, "As both a senator and a veterinarian, I understand the critical balance between protecting our agricultural industries and safeguarding animal health." His advocacy for the pause is reminiscent of previous proactive circumspections, like the historical voluntary halt on the movement of Hawai‘i’s beef cattle to tackle trichomoniasis. Richards believes that, similar to past predicaments, early response could spare the poultry industry and community health further disruption, as per the Department of Agriculture.
