Protecting yourself from avian flu during fallen seabird season
Nov 26, 2024
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- As seabird fallout season continues, health department officials urge rescuers to protect themselves amid growing avian flu concerns.
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Though the disease has not yet been detected in native seabirds, concerns are still on the rise after strain H5N1 was detected in a backyard flock of birds in Wahiawa on Nov. 15 and a wild duck on Oahu's North Shore ten days later.
Hawaii drivers should keep a towel, box in their car for this reason
The DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife created an amended seabird rescue guide to get birds to safety while minimizing the risks of transmission.
Before approaching a downed seabird, check to see if the bird is injured or near a burrow. Since seabirds are ground-nesting birds, they may just be exercising their wings.
"If the bird is near a burrow and does not appear injured, it is likely not in distress and should not be approached," said the DLNR in a news release.
If you decide to rescue a fallen or injured seabird, officials advise you to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, facemasks, eye protection, gowns and footwear.
The seabird should then be placed in a box with poked holes with a clean towel at the bottom.
Make sure to sanitize your hands, clothes and other items after coming into contact with any animal.
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Dead or sick birds of any species should be reported to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture immediately. Call (808) 483-7100 during business hours or (808) 837-8092 anytime after.
More information on lone downed seabirds can also be found on DLNR's DOFAW website.