Hawai'i bans bird imports by mail to fight virus

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser health Writer

The state Department of Agriculture has imposed an immediate embargo on mailing birds to Hawai'i to reduce the risk of the West Nile virus being introduced here.

The temporary ban, signed Wednesday, affects all birds and poultry, except hatching eggs and day-old chicks, imported through the U.S. Postal Service.

It will remain in effect until withdrawn.

The West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on infected wild birds, then bite birds, horses and people.

Since it was first detected in New York in 1999, the virus has spread to 31 of the 33 states east of the Rocky Mountains.

State agriculture officials said they were working with local postal officials, who have committed to enforcing the embargo.

The order by state veterinarian James Foppoli says its purpose is "to protect the state's public health, economy and environment."

Officials are especially concerned about the potential vulnerability of native birds, many of which already are endangered.

"Once introduced into Hawai'i's mosquito or bird populations, there is a high probability that the West Nile virus will become endemic, causing significant public health, economic and environmental damage," Foppoli said.

The state Board of Agriculture is expected to vote Thursday on emergency rules that would require quarantine for birds scheduled to be imported.