Aiming to gather data on bird flu awareness and preparedness, the Hawaii State Department of Health asks Hawaii residents who keep backyard flocks or are involved in bird rescue to take part in a new survey.

What You Need To Know

  • The survey asks about bird caretakers’ knowledge, preferences and practices, as well as helps DOH understand community concerns

  • It will also help the agency determine how to go about strengthening the conversation around preventing bird flu

  • The survey is anonymous and accessible online

  • Residents are asked to complete the survey as soon as possible

The survey asks about bird caretakers’ knowledge, preferences and practices, as well as helps DOH understand community concerns. It will also help the agency determine how to go about strengthening the conversation around preventing bird flu.

The survey is anonymous and accessible online. Residents are asked to complete the survey as soon as possible.

“We want to better understand the potential exposures that backyard flock owners and bird rescuers face when it comes to avian influenza, so we can help prevent future human bird flu infections in partnership with the community,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, Hawaii state epidemiologist. “By reaching out through both digital and in-person methods, we hope to get wide participation and honest feedback.”

As of this time, only Hawaii residents who keep at least one poultry bird at home, those involved in bird rescue or those who have had direct contact with birds in the past year for any reason are asked to fill out the survey.

Individuals with questions about the survey or bird flu can call the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 or email doh.docd.dib@doh.hawaii.gov.

Anyone with symptoms after having been exposed to bird flu within the last 10 days is asked to contact your primary care provider for evaluation and testing, as well as the DOH Disease Reporting Line, for further guidance.

Find more information on bird flu on the DOH website.