Avian Influenza (AI) in Hawaiʻi
Overview and Precautions
What is Avian Influenza (AI)
Avian Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza virus in birds. There are low pathogenic and highly pathogenic strains of the virus, with highly pathogenic being the most concerning. Influenza viruses are classified by the types of protein on their surface, Hemagglutinin proteins (H) and Neuraminidase (N). There are several H types and several N types, and they can combine into various combinations such as H5N1, H3N2, etc.
Risk of Spread
The risk of transmission from birds to people is low, but proper precautions should be taken to minimize that risk, as well as minimizing the risk of transmission from bird to bird.
How is it Spread?
Between birds, AI can be spread through direct contact or contact by items that have been in contact with infected birds, or aerosols. Between people, Influenza in general – not just Avian Influenza – is spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Most cases of AI in people have occurred in farm settings where there are lots of infected animals in an enclosed setting with poor ventilation (poultry or dairy farms)
Proper Precautions: Continue to Protect Native Bird Populations and Stay Vigilant
- Do not touch a bird directly, use gloves, clean fabric or linens (ex. tshirts, towels, rags, pillowcases) to wrap around the bird and transfer the bird to a covered, ventilated box.
- Wash hands after transferring the bird to the box. Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
- Keep any wild birds isolated from pets.
- Wash/sanitize any items that came into direct contact with the bird.
Risk Levels in Wild Bird Species
Avian Influenza was first discovered in Hawaiʻi in 2024, and was suspected to have been brought over by a migratory bird. Certain types of birds are of higher risk of catching AI. These higher risk species include waterbirds (ducks, coots, stilts, gallinules, herons, geese, etc.), shorebirds: (Kōlea, etc.), gulls, and raptors (primarily Pueo, but could also include ʻIo).
Other species including seabirds are considered low risk. All birds, including low risk birds, are treated in accordance with our biosecurity protocols for their safety.
AI Risk During Seabird Fallout Season
The risk of AI in young, downed seabirds is low. These are young birds that are attempting their first flight out to sea, after growing up isolated in their burrows. Seabirds in general are considered low-risk and these young birds do not spend time in flocks or around high-risk species. It is imperative that these young birds get into care so they can be examined and hydrated by permitted personnel quickly, which maximizes their chances of a successful release. If you find a downed bird, please take the proper precautions listed above and get the bird to an approved drop-off site as soon as possible.
Importance of Care by Permitted and Experienced Facilities
The arrival of AI in our islands further demonstrates the importance that treatment and care be provided by permitted and experienced entities like the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center (all islands) and the Save our Shearwaters program (Kauaʻi). HWC has extensive biosecurity protocols and veterinary expertise to continue to support native bird populations while also protecting against the spread of AI among patients and in our communities.
Contact Us
For If you are unsure if a bird is sick or needs help, please call our office (808) 884-5000 during business hours or email a photo and brief description of the situation to birdhelp@hawaiiwildlifecenter.org.
If it is after hours, please follow the instructions here.