HILO, HAWAIʻI — The Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) are collaborating closely after the first-ever detection of H5 avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, on Hawaiʻi Island. The virus was identified in a sample of influent—untreated wastewater—collected on December 2 from the Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The sample was taken before the treatment process, which includes disinfection methods such as chlorination designed to neutralize viruses, including avian influenza. According to the DOH, the specific subtype of the virus cannot be confirmed through wastewater testing, meaning it is unclear if it is the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain recently found on Oʻahu.

Public Health Risk Low, But Vigilance Increased

Despite the detection, the DOH emphasizes that the risk to public health remains low. However, HPAI is known to cause severe impacts on bird populations, particularly poultry, and its presence in wastewater underscores the need for vigilance.

To enhance monitoring, the DOH has doubled testing frequency at the Hilo plant from once to twice weekly. “We understand the community’s concerns and are committed to keeping the public informed,” said a DEM spokesperson.

What Residents Should Know

Authorities are urging residents to report unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or wild birds to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) Animal Industry Division. Reports can be made during business hours at 808-483-7102 or after hours at 808-837-8092.

For individuals who may have been exposed to sick birds or wildlife, DOH recommends contacting the Disease Outbreak Control Division at 808-586-4586 for guidance.

The DEM has also provided resources for those seeking more information on avian influenza, including guidelines on biosecurity for animal agriculture and general bird flu prevention strategies, available through the HDOA, DOH, and federal agencies.

Resources

• HDOA Animal Disease Control: Avian Influenza Information
• DOH Avian Influenza Resources: DOH Avian Influenza
• CDC Bird Flu Information: CDC Bird Flu
• USDA Resources on Avian Influenza: USDA Avian Influenza

Contacts

• Wastewater inquiries: Hawaiʻi County DEM at 808-961-8800 (Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
• Poultry and livestock illness reporting: HDOA Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102 (business hours) or 808-837-8092 (non-business hours).
• Human exposure concerns: DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586.

Hawaiʻi Island’s health and environmental authorities continue to prioritize safety and transparency as they monitor and address this development.