State agencies respond to third possible case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Three state agencies remain on alert after a third possible case of avian influenza was found in a wild bird, this time in an endangered native duck on Kauaʻi.

Preliminary testing performed by the Hawaii State Laboratory showed the bird was infected with an influenza A virus, though confirmation and subtype identification (e.g., H5N1) are pending further analysis by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

A Koloa Maoli (Hawaiian duck) was found sick on Nov. 26 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge in Kīlauea, Kauaʻi.

The bird died within 24 hours.

H5N1 is a highly infectious and often deadly subtype of influenza A that mainly affects birds. Human infections are rare but can occur with close contact.

Hawaiʻi’s