
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has detected traces of H5 avian influenza, or bird flu, in Kauaʻi's wastewater. Samples from the Līhuʻe Wastewater Treatment Plant first identified the virus on December 11, 2024, at very low levels. Additional samples taken on December 18, 2024, and last Wednesday showed similar minimal detections, suggesting the presence of the virus on Kauaʻi. There have been no reports of infections in birds, livestock, or humans on the island at this time, as reported by the official statement from the DOH.
To clarify, the H5 bird flu includes the H5N1 strain, which has been circulating globally since 1996 and recently been detected in mammals, including dairy cows. However, it's not possible to definitively identify the strain as H5N1 from the wastewater samples, as these tests do not provide that level of detail. When H5 bird flu was first detected in Hawaii in November 2024, it appeared in a backyard flock in Central O'ahu with a different genetic makeup compared to strains found on the mainland U.S. H5 was also later detected at a water treatment facility in Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, according to the DOH report.
While the risk to humans remains low, the Department of Health (DOH) advises caution, particularly for those with poultry in their backyards or in commercial operations. The DOH has recommended strengthening biosecurity measures to protect these birds. Additionally, to minimize any potential risk, health officials suggest avoiding raw milk and opting for pasteurized milk as a precaution against H5N1.
If you find a deceased wild bird, the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) recommends wearing gloves, double-bagging the bird, and disposing of it in the trash. After handling the bird, wash your hands thoroughly and clean your clothing and footwear. If you experience any health issues afterward, the HDOA provides a hotline for reporting concerns. Additionally, reports of unusual symptoms following bird handling or sightings of sick poultry or wildlife can be directed to designated contacts, which are listed in the DOH newsroom.
For those looking for more information, resources on avian flu are available from the HDOA’s animal disease control and biosecurity guidelines for animal agriculture. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also offer relevant information on bird flu. Links to these resources are provided by the DOH in their latest release for public reference.