Wahiawa community takes precautions to protect against avian flu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Wahiawa Feed Store normally sells up to 100 egg-laying chicks, but about a week ago the owner stopped selling them after news that Hawaii had been hit by the avian flu for the first time.
Susie’s Duck Sanctuary is near the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant. Its founder says twenty rescued ducks, geese and a swan died quickly of the deadly bird virus along with 13 wild zebra doves. After officials confirmed the disease, Department of Agriculture euthanized at least 70 other birds on property.
“We are very concerned right now,” said Nathan Kamahele of Pro-Act Products which distributes netting at the Wahiawa Feed Store.
“It doesn’t just wipe them out and make some of them sick, it makes them all sick to the point that they die soon,” he added.
Kamahele is selling netting so bird owners can enclose their chicken coops and keep wild birds out. He first used it to keep out coconut rhinoceros beetle.
“I think netting is just a good safeguard to start and then once we learn more about it, we’ll be able to find that solution,” said Kamahele.
Susie’s Duck Sanctuary told Hawaii News Now Schofield Barracks soldiers who volunteered at the nonprofit, were contacted, tested and did not contract the virus.
At the Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic, signs are alerting pet owners about potential exposure at the Nov. 2 Mililani Pet Fair. Some of the sanctuary’s ducks and geese were on display there.
“If you did attend the fair, look for respiratory issues with your pet, also respiratory issues with yourself,” said Dr. Jamie Furutani, a veterinarian at Mililani Mauka Veterinary Clinic.
“If there is something odd with your pet — it’s lethargic, coughing, has redness, irritation in their eyes, consult your veterinarian,” she added.
Meanwhile, the animal rescue community is mourning the loss of roughly 100 birds.
Fern, a muscovy duck at the Wahiawa sanctuary had a prosthetic leg thanks to a partnership with the University of Hawaii according to Aloha Animal Sanctuary in Windward Oahu, but was euthanized by agriculture officials.
Resources: The Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have reporting lines for this outbreak.
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