LIHUE — Officials are advising residents to use caution when handling birds as another case of avian influenza has been detected on Oahu.
LIHUE — Officials are advising residents to use caution when handling birds as another case of avian influenza has been detected on Oahu.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is alerting the public that cases of the avian influenza strain H5N1 were detected and confirmed on Oahu on Nov. 15.
Currently, there are no active cases reported on Kauai and the risk of human transmission remains low. However, bird rescuers must exercise extreme caution when handling birds. It is also recommended that individuals utilize appropriate protection equipment and adhere to proper hygiene protocols after interacting with any animal.
Symptoms of avian influenza in birds include:
• Death without prior symptoms
• A drop in egg production or misshapen eggs
• Difficulty breathing (gasping)
• Stumbling or falling down
• Discoloration of the legs
• Coughing or nasal discharge
• Diarrhea
Individuals who find a dead or sick bird of any species are urged to contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7100 during business hours, or 808-837-8092 outside of business hours.
It is also important to note that ground-nesting birds sometimes sit in front of their burrows to exercise their wings. If a bird is near a burrow and does not appear injured, it is likely not in distress and should not be approached.
Anyone who finds a lone downed seabird can follow guidance on the DLNR DOFAW website (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wildlife/seabird-fallout-season/), including the contact information for a wildlife professional on Kauai.
