The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a domestic flock in Hawaii. This marks a significant development as it is the first case detected in domestic birds in the state since the current outbreak began in February 2022.
Detection and confirmation in Hawaii
The outbreak was identified in a non-commercial backyard flock in Honolulu County. The detection was initially made by the Hawaii State Laboratories Division, part of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, and subsequently confirmed by the USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is collaborating with state animal health officials to contain and mitigate the outbreak.
Public health risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk to public health from this outbreak remains low. Proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F are essential preventive measures for food safety. The CDC emphasizes that while the virus can cause severe illness in birds, human infections are rare and typically mild.
Response measures
In response to the outbreak, APHIS and its partners have intensified surveillance and testing in areas surrounding the affected flock. The United States has a robust avian influenza monitoring program, considered one of the most comprehensive in the world. This program actively seeks out the disease in commercial poultry farms, live bird markets, and migratory wild bird populations.
Biosecurity and education
The USDA is urging all poultry producers, from small backyard flock owners to large commercial operations, to review and strengthen their biosecurity measures. APHIS’s Defend the Flock program offers educational resources, including videos, checklists, and toolkits, to help protect birds from potential infections.
International trade impact
The USDA will report these findings to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and international trading partners to ensure a coordinated response in line with international standards. WOAH guidelines recommend that trade restrictions be based on scientific evidence and, where possible, limited to specific animals and products that pose a risk. The USDA is actively working to minimize the impact on international trade by promoting adherence to these guidelines.
Advice for producers
Producers are advised to avoid contact between their birds and wild birds and to report any unusual illness or death among their flocks to state or federal authorities. The USDA’s ongoing efforts aim to protect both animal and public health while maintaining the integrity of the poultry industry.
This outbreak underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in managing avian influenza. By adhering to biosecurity protocols and staying informed, poultry producers can help prevent the spread of this disease and safeguard their flocks.
Sources: Available upon request.