Key points: H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed in a Northern pintail found along Wailea shoreline, the first lab-confirmed case on Maui. Samples were tested in Wisconsin; the USGS has tested 77 birds with only this positive result. Officials say human and poultry risk is low but advise vigilance—migratory birds can introduce the virus. Report unusual bird or livestock illnesses to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7100 or HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.
H5N1 Confirmed in Northern Pintail on Maui — State Agencies Urge Vigilance
Key points: H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed in a Northern pintail found along Wailea shoreline, the first lab-confirmed case on Maui. Samples were tested in Wisconsin; the USGS has tested 77 birds with only this positive result. Officials say human and poultry risk is low but advise vigilance—migratory birds can introduce the virus. Report unusual bird or livestock illnesses to the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture at 808-483-7100 or HDOAIC@hawaii.gov.
08:41 PM, 11/15/2025Health
H5N1 Confirmed in Northern Pintail on Maui; Officials Advise Caution
Multiple state agencies have been placed on alert after laboratory tests confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a Northern pintail found along the Wailea shoreline on Maui. Samples were sent to a reference laboratory in Wisconsin, which returned a positive result for the virus.
This marks the first laboratory-confirmed detection of H5N1 on Maui. The virus was first identified in Hawaii in November 2024 on Oʻahu, and a presumptive case was reported in a duck on the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus in October 2025.
What officials are saying: State and federal partners, including the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), say the overall risk to people and domestic poultry remains low at this time. The USGS has tested 77 birds for influenza; all were negative except for the pintail found on Maui. Officials note migratory birds can introduce avian influenza to the islands, and low-level detections have also been found in wastewater samples on Kauaʻi, prompting continued monitoring.
Public guidance
If you encounter sick or dead birds:
- Avoid touching or handling wild birds — especially waterfowl and shorebirds.
- If a bird must be captured or handled for investigation, wildlife professionals should use gloves, minimize contact, and follow established biosafety protocols.
- Keep pets and domestic poultry away from wild birds and carcasses.
To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or wild birds, contact the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB) Animal Industry Division:
Phone (business hours): 808-483-7100 (Monday–Friday, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Phone (non-business hours & holidays): 808-837-8092
Email: HDOAIC@hawaii.gov
State agencies continue surveillance and testing across the islands. Residents are asked to remain vigilant, report unusual wildlife deaths or illnesses, and follow public-health guidance.
Source: KHON2 reporting and state/federal health and wildlife agencies.