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Home My WebLink AboutCOM 0090.001 2024-2026HEATHER L. KIMBALL Council District 1 (North Hilo, Hamakua, and portion of Waimea) Phone: (808) 961-8828 Fax: (808) 961-8912 Email: Heather. Kimballna,hawaiicount�.go_v HAWAPI COUNTY COUNCIL 25 Aupuni Street, Ste. 1402. Hilo, Hawai'i 96720 DATE: January 15, 2025 TO: Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, Council Chair and Members of the Hawaii County Council FROM: Heather L. Kimball, Council Member Council District 1 SUBJECT: Relevant content to Resolution No. 61-25 Attached for your review are links to important information relevant to Resolution No. 61-25, specifically detailing the Avian Flu at both the state and federal levels, as well providing critical safety measures to be taken into consideration. https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease listing/avian-influenza/ https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this communication, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you. HLK:dbk Comm. No. C).1 _ Ref. V I ra 9 E 1ka Ref. Date ,JAN 2 1 ZL5 Hawai `i County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. State of Hawaii, Department of Health i Ka 'Oihana Olakino ^ a.• ) Disease Outbreak Control Division I Al _f _ 1E Diseases A-Z Disease Types What to know Animal -Transmitted Bioterrorism-Related • H5N1 bird flu virus has been circulating worldwide and has been causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the U.S. A limited number of human Bloodborne cases have occurred in 2024 following exposure to infected animals. Common Infections • The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) received confirmation from the Environmental U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) on November 15, 2024 that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) Foodborne was detected in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu. Healthcare & Hospital- • The current risk to the general public in Hawaii remains low. Transmitted • Residents are encouraged to report sick or dead birds, especially when Influenza multiple birds are affected to Hawaii Department of Agriculture (808-483-7102 during Monday to Friday from 7:45AM to 4:30PM, or 808-837-8092 during non - Mosquito -Transmitted business hours and holidays). Pest -Transmitted • Hawaii residents who recently visited or worked on a farm in another state Recreation -Related with known or suspected H5N1 animal infections should contact the Hawaii Department of Health's Disease Reporting Line (808-586-4586) for a telephone Respiratory Viruses risk assessment. Sexually Transmitted Travel -Related Vaccine -Preventable Waterborne About This Disease REPORT A CASE Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses occur naturally in wild birds. Avian influenza A viruses have been Disease Reporting Line: isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world, including ducks, (808) 586-4586 geese, terns, plovers, and sandpipers. These viruses are very contagious among birds and have the potential to cause severe illness among poultry, other animal species, and even among humans exposed to the virus. For more general information about influenza A viruses: Avian Influenza Type A Viruses I Bird Flu i CDC About This Disease Avian influenza (bird flu) viruses occur naturally in wild birds. Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world, including ducks, geese, terns, plovers, and sandpipers. These viruses are very contagious among birds and have the potential to cause severe illness among poultry, other animal species, and even among humans exposed to the virus. For more general information about influenza A viruses: Avian Influenza Type A Viruses I Bird Flu I CDC Current Events HSN1 influenza A virus in the United States The H5N1 influenza A virus has been circulating globally since it was first identified in birds in 1996. Since 2021, the H5N1 virus has been widely detected among wild birds, poultry farms, and backyard poultry flocks in the United States. In 2024, H5N1 was detected in dairy cows for the first time in the continental United States with spread to dairy cow herds in multiple states. In addition, fatal H5N1 infections among cats have been detected on affected farms. For the latest information on avian influenza in livestock, visit the USDA website. Pasteurized milk and dairy products remain safe. Gold -standard laboratory investigations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have shown pasteurization to fully inactivate the H5N1 virus in milk. Therefore, the ongoing multi -state outbreak of H5N1 in dairy cows does not pose a health risk to consurners. The first reported human infection with the H5N1 influenza A virus in the U.S. was detected in Colorado on April 28, 2022. The individual was directly exposed to infected poultry and reported fatigue as the only symptom. They were treated and since recovered. Since April 2024, additional human H5N1 infections have been reported in the continental U.S. predominantly among workers with exposure to dairy cows or poultry with suspected or confirmed H5N1 infection. All cases have been clinically mild with symptoms of conjunctivitis or respiratory symptoms. All cases have recovered. There has been no definitive evidence of human -to -human transmission of the H5N1 virus in the U.S. Therefore, the main risk for H5N1 exposure at this time is close contact with animals infected with the virus. For current information regarding human H5N1 influenza A infections, including CDC's latest analysis and human health risk assessment, please click here. HSN1 influenza A virus in Hawaii 2024 HDOA received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) that HPAI was detected in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu on November 15, 2024. The property involved is located within the service area of the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant, where a recent detection was reported via the National Wastewater Surveillance System. This is the first confirmed detection of the virus in Hawai'i. The virus detected is clade 2.3.4.4b, similar to the strain that has infected wild birds, domestic poultry, and dairy cows on the U.S. mainland. Genotype results are pending. Upon further investigation, HDOH and HDOA have identified a potential exposure to attendees of the Mililani Pet Fair held on November 02, 2024. Although some birds from the infected flock were present at the event, the first signs of infection in the flock did not appear until several days afterward. Since the birds were not showing symptoms at the time of the fair, the risk of them transmitting H5N1 to humans is considered low. Why is this a public health concern in Hawaii? Influenza viruses undergo genetic reassortment, or change, as they spread between different animal species and humans. There is a risk that the H5N1 or other avian influenza viruses might change to spread more easily between humans, potentially leading to a pandemic. Therefore, practicing avian influenza prevention practices, monitoring for animal and human infections, and detecting any person -to -person spread early is extremely important for public health. Monitoring for Avian Influenza in Hawaii HDOH, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is reinforcing long-standing efforts to detect avian influenza disease in birds, cattle, and humans in Hawaii. This includes monitoring human influenza infections detected in the laboratory, as well as in wastewater, monitoring of ED visits for influenza as tracked on the Hawaii Respiratory Disease Activity Summary dashboard, participation in the National Poultry Improvement Plan with routine sampling of chickens at the state's largest poultry farm, USGS (United States Geological Survey) collection and testing of wild bird specimens and testing of any lactating cows being brought into the state. Signs and Symptoms The risk of avian influenza in Hawaii remains low for the general public. Human avian influenza symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe, and may begin with flu -like symptoms, including fever, cough, and/or sore throat. Recent human H5N1 influenza infections reported in the U.S. have been mild and included conjunctivitis. Main symptoms (only some may be present): • Fever • Cough • Sore throat • Conjunctivitis ("pink eye") Secondary symptoms: • Runny nose • Fatigue • Headache • Muscle ache • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Breathing difficulties Risk in Hawaii Although the risk of avian influenza to the general public in Hawaii from bird flu viruses is low, the following may place individuals at increased risk for H5N1 influenza virus infection: • Close contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds, poultry, other domesticated birds, and other wild or domesticated animals. • Handling the feces, bedding (litter), or materials that have been touched by, or close to, birds or other animals on a farm with suspected or confirmed H5N1 influenza virus infection, • Consuming raw, unpasteurized, milk or dairy products How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People Hvizin Infections Willi Bird Flu Virusus Rare But Possible Touching virus Heal" b*ng and then buds an stdi teudwip the spread bird flu Bird Bu _ . . eyes. "�wide - noae air ' � rrouri �� ; �:�•.•• Bird u % hdedan can occur without touching pouhry. d► - 1 I f l 1 ( lhns eiders e through the Bird Au virus-,J .. • . - eyes or mouth _ •-. > -. Nasal rose ' ► --'- passe9e Lungs Flapping wings scratchng Shaking head . !.,. ••., .- veww.We.qovyflufevlanNWavlan-in•humanehlm Prevention General guidance In addition to the Hawaii Department of Health's respiratory guidance, the following measures can reduce the risk of being infected with avian influenza. • Do not touch sick or dead birds. Residents are encouraged to report sick or dead birds, especially when multiple or unusual. Please contact Animal Industry Division at Hawaii Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7102 during Monday to Friday from 7:45AM to 4:30PM, or 808-837-8092 during non -business hours and holidays. • Do not drink raw milk. Pasteurization kills H5N1 virus, and pasteurized milk is safe to drink. • When in direct or close contact (within six feet) of sick or dead animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza, or the feces, litter, raw milk, or contaminated materials, wear Appropriate CDC -recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Further detail is available here. • If you become sick due to direct contact with sick or dead animals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza, isolate from family and stay home until you are proven to not have bird flu virus infection. • Influenza antiviral chemoprophylaxis can be prescribed by health care providers to persons exposed to avian influenza. Further information can be found here. Healthy backyard poultry practices Keeping backyard poultry has become more popular in Hawaii as communities work to produce food locally. Adopting healthy, sustainable flock ownership practices is important to prevent illness among people and birds. The Hawaii Department of Health encourages backyard poultry owners, or those contemplating poultry ownership, to fully review CDC guidance on healthy backyard poultry practices. Backyard poultry owners, and community members regularly surrounded by feral chickens, are encouraged to become familiar with these signs of sick poultry: • Eat or drink less than normal • Have ruffled feathers • Have runny diarrhea • Have discharge from the eyes or nose or difficulty breathing • Produce fewer eggs than normal • Produce discolored, irregular, or misshapen eggs • Die unexpectedly of no apparent cause Contact your veterinarian or the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7102 during Monday to Friday from 7:45AM to 4:30PM, or 808-837-8092 during non -business hours and holidays if you notice these signs. Poultry and livestock farmers and workers Commercial poultry and livestock farms can implement USDA and Hawaii Department of Agriculture biosecurity guidance and regulations to reduce the risk of avian influenza importation. In the event of a suspected or confirmed animal avian influenza infection on a farm, the Hawaii Department of Health recommends rapid implementation of CDC guidance to reduce the risk of human infections. Hunters • Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. • Always wear disposable gloves when handling or cleaning game. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately afterward. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol -based hand sanitizer. • Dress game birds while in the field whenever possible. If you can't dress birds in the field, clean them in a location away from poultry and other birds. • Keep a separate pair of shoes to wear only in your game cleaning area. If this is not possible, wear rubber footwear and clean and disinfect your shoes before entering or leaving the area. • Use dedicated tools for cleaning game, whether in the field or at home. Do not use these tools around poultry or pet birds. • Double bag the offal and feathers. Tie the inner bag, take off your gloves, and leave them in the outer bag before tying it closed. Then wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. • Place the bag in a trash can that poultry and pet birds cannot access. Make sure the trash can is covered, and children, pets, or other animals can't get into it. • Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water. Then, disinfect them using a freshly mixed chlorine solution consisting of 1/3 cup of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Handout: Hunters -Protect Your Poultry and Pet Birds from Avian Influenza (usda.gov) Recent News ® H5 Avian Flu Detected at Wastewater Sampling Site in Hilo ® DOH Investigating Human Contacts to Infected H5N1 Flocks - No Humans in Hawaii Tested Positive for Avian Influenza ® DOH Notifies Public of Potential Exposure to Avian Influenza at Mililani Pet Fair Held Nov. 2 ® Avian Influenza Confirmed in Backyard Flock of Birds ® H5 Avian Flu Detected at Wastewater Sampling Site on Oahu, DOH Closely Monitoring Situation Additional Resources Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ® Information on Bird Flu I Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) ® Prevention and Antiviral Treatment of Bird Flu Viruses in People I Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov) Hawaii State Department of Health ® Symptom Monitoring and Isolation Guidance: Exposure to Avian Influenza A - H5N1 (health.hawaii.gov) ® Avian Influenza FAQs (health.hawaii.gov) State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division ® Avian Influenza Updates (hawaii.gov) ® Avian Influenza Information (hawaii.gov) U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS ® 2022-2024 Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (usda.gov) ® Avian Influenza I U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov) Information for Clinicians An overview of CDC's recommendations for patient evaluation, treatment and testing can be found here. On July 19, 2024, CDC issued an Emergency Use Instructions for oseltamivir usage towards pandemic influenza A viruses and novel influenza A viruses with pandemic potential. Disease Reporting Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an URGENT CATEGORY NOTIFIABLE CONDITION. Those who were in direct contact to sick or dead animals infected with avian influenza or healthcare providers with patient(s) suspected of HPAI infection must report to the Hawaii State Department of Health by telephone as soon as a provisional diagnosis is established. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation. Disease Reporting Lines Oahu (Disease Reporting Line) 808-586-4586 Maui District Health Office 808-984-8213 Kauai District Health Office 808-241-3563 Big Island District Health Office (Hilo) 808-933-0912 Big Island District Health Office (Kona) 808-322-4877 After hours on Oahu 808-600-3625 After hours on neighbor islands 808-360-2575 (toll free) Last reviewed January 2025 99 An official website of the United States government Here's how you know _USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service </> </> U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Avian Influenza Last Modified: August 30, 2024 Avian influenza, or "bird flu," is a contagious viral disease of domestic and wild birds. It's a major threat to the poultry industry, animal health, trade, and the economy worldwide. Menu Caused by influenza type A viruses, the disease varies in severity depending on the strain and species affected. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) strains are deadly to domestic poultry and can wipe out entire flocks within a matter of days. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) strains typically cause few or no signs of illness. They occur naturally in wild birds around the world. However, some LPAI strains can become highly pathogenic in poultry. Note: Avian influenza A viruses rarely infect people. For more information on human health and avian influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . What To Look For Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza • Sudden death without any prior symptoms of illness • Lack of energy and appetite • A drop in egg production or soft-shelled, misshapen eggs • Swelling of the eyelids, comb, wattles, and shanks • Purple discoloration of the wattles, comb, and legs • Gasping for air (difficulty breathing) • Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing • Twisting of the head and neck (torticollis) • Stumbling or falling down • Diarrhea Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza LPAI-infected poultry usually don't show any signs of illness. If they do, you may see mild to severe respiratory distress, lack of energy and appetite, decreased egg production, and diarrhea. How To Prevent This Disease How It Is Treated Report Signs of Animal Disease Producers or owners who suspect an animal disease should contact their veterinarian to evaluate the animal or herd. Find an accredited veterinarian. Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health, zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of nationally listed reportable animal diseases </livestock-poultry-disease/surveillance/reportable-diseases> to APHIS Area Veterinarians in Charge and to the State animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations. Controlling Avian Influenza Current Status APHIS' Response Surveillance for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Information for Cooperators Resources for Producers Reports and Assessments Print </print/pdf/node/3221> Map and Data Accessibility Freedom of Disclaimer </mrp- Statement Information Act map -data -disclaimer> </freedom - information -act> Non -Discrimination Plain Writing Privacy Policy Statement Information Quality Whitehouse.gov Looking for U.S. government information and services? Visit USA.gov