11-16-2024, 11:20 PM
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oahu.
A report submitted to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture showed at least 10 birds were dead on a property “within the area served by the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The dead birds included ducks, a good and a zebra dove. After conducting necropsies and collecting samples, the Department of Health confirmed the animals were positive for avian flu.
[color=var(--link-color)]Avian Flu variant confirmed at Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility[/color]
The detection of the variant is the first case confirmed in Hawaii and has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the mainland.
Officials said the area has been quarantined and all birds on the property will have to be put down.
While human illness with H5N1 is uncommon, those who were reported sick were workers who had close contact with infected animals.
”The current risk of transmission to Hawaiʻi residents is low, but be smart if you do encounter sick or dead birds, livestock, or wild animals and avoid direct contact,” explained Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist.
It is currently unclear how the virus made its way to the islands. Quarantine rules were set to prevent diseases from entering the state by air and sea.
If you feel you have been exposed to sick birds, contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at (808) 586-4586.
Unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock and other animals should be reported to the HDOA Animal Industry Division at (808) 483-7102.
---------------------------
Well, this is bad news. As I understand it if it's detected on one's property the government comes in and kills everything.
Some "show bird farmers" on social media have already posted along the lines of "just try it" and this is how revolutions start.
But more importantly, what's the point of euthanizing the animals for an endemic disease that is spread by migratory birds. They have culled tens of millions of chickens and other animals on the mainland already. The producers don't really care because the government compensates "fair market value" for them but the consumers pay because it drives up the price of food regardless due to less supply in the system. They aren't going to give anybody's uncle "fair market value" based on what a cock's illegal blood sport gambling value might be.
For a lot of people, these aren't commodities we're talking about, they are pets.
A report submitted to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture showed at least 10 birds were dead on a property “within the area served by the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant.”
The dead birds included ducks, a good and a zebra dove. After conducting necropsies and collecting samples, the Department of Health confirmed the animals were positive for avian flu.
[color=var(--link-color)]Avian Flu variant confirmed at Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility[/color]
The detection of the variant is the first case confirmed in Hawaii and has infected dairy cows and domestic poultry on the mainland.
Officials said the area has been quarantined and all birds on the property will have to be put down.
While human illness with H5N1 is uncommon, those who were reported sick were workers who had close contact with infected animals.
”The current risk of transmission to Hawaiʻi residents is low, but be smart if you do encounter sick or dead birds, livestock, or wild animals and avoid direct contact,” explained Dr. Sarah Kemble, State Epidemiologist.
It is currently unclear how the virus made its way to the islands. Quarantine rules were set to prevent diseases from entering the state by air and sea.
Quote:[color=rgb(91 99 106/var(--tw-text-opacity))]In addition to DOH, HDOA has been collaborating closely with animal disease authorities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture who are familiar with avian influenza and its impact on wild and captive bird populations. We want to note that the owner of the property has been very cooperative and realizes the seriousness of the situation involving their beloved pets.
Dr. Isaac Maeda, HDOA’s state veterinarian[/color]
If you feel you have been exposed to sick birds, contact the Disease Outbreak Control Division Disease Reporting Line at (808) 586-4586.
Unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock and other animals should be reported to the HDOA Animal Industry Division at (808) 483-7102.
---------------------------
Well, this is bad news. As I understand it if it's detected on one's property the government comes in and kills everything.
Some "show bird farmers" on social media have already posted along the lines of "just try it" and this is how revolutions start.
But more importantly, what's the point of euthanizing the animals for an endemic disease that is spread by migratory birds. They have culled tens of millions of chickens and other animals on the mainland already. The producers don't really care because the government compensates "fair market value" for them but the consumers pay because it drives up the price of food regardless due to less supply in the system. They aren't going to give anybody's uncle "fair market value" based on what a cock's illegal blood sport gambling value might be.
For a lot of people, these aren't commodities we're talking about, they are pets.
