HONOLULU (KHON2) — Pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu.
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A report submitted to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture showed at least 10 birds were dead on a property “within the area served by the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The dead birds included ducks, a good and a zebra dove. After conducting necropsies and collecting samples, the Department of Health confirmed the animals were positive for avian flu.
Avian Flu variant confirmed at Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility
The detection of the variant is the first case confirmed in Hawaii and has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the mainland.
Officials said the area has been quarantined and all birds on the property will have to be put down.
While human illness with H5N1 is uncommon, those who were reported sick were workers who had close contact with infected animals.
”The current risk of transmission to Hawaiʻi residents is low, but be smart if you do encounter sick or dead birds, livestock, or wild animals and avoid direct contact,” explained Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist.