Wahiawa Bird Sanctuary Decimated by Hawaii’s First Confirmed Avian Flu Outbreak, Over 70 Birds Lost

Over 70 birds have died in a Wahiawa sanctuary due to the avian flu, which has also affected Hawaii’s wildlife rehabilitation community. On November 5, Susan Wilkinson, the owner of Susie’s Duck Sanctuary, found the first deceased fowl. Hawaii had its first epidemic of the H5N1 influenza within a week, with 20 additional birds dying from the infection, according to KHON2.

According to Island News, avian flu was ultimately identified as the cause of the strange bird deaths. As the infection got worse, 33 additional birds—including zebra doves—were killed. As the birds displayed signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, and strange green excrement, Susan Wilkinson sought solutions from state and federal veterinarians in addition to working with a local veterinarian.

Wilkinson’s greatest fears became real when a regular wastewater sample taken at the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Facility near the sanctuary revealed evidence of avian influenza, according to a KHON2interview. The words “My heart sank,” she said. The rescuer, who had spent years bringing these animals back to health, was devastated when the Department of Agriculture decided to put the remaining birds to death as a precaution due to the severe circumstances. In order to convey the seriousness of the situation, Wilkinson said, “This is no joke, this is real, it is on island, and it is nasty.”

Wilkinson stressed the significance of quarantining flocks to stop the spread of avian flu and advised bird owners to take prompt steps. The outbreak left the land devoid of birds and subject to a four-month quarantine, despite her best attempts to sterilize and quarantine her sanctuary. Using his own experience of the virus’s catastrophic effects, Dr. Brian Walsh, Medical Director of Feather & Fur Animal Hospital, emphasized the virus’s quick fatality.

Health officials advise taking precautions including keeping an eye out for flu-like symptoms and avoiding contact with dead birds, even though the risk to humans is minimal.

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