Helen Raine on Kauaʻi’s First Avian Flu Case in Endangered Koloa Maoli

Hawaii News Now reports the first case of avian flu detected in a native endangered duck (Koloa Maoli) on Kauaʻi. Helen Raine, ARC’s Executive Director, emphasizes the serious implications for Hawaii’s rare waterbirds and the importance of monitoring to protect these highly endangered populations.

Raine notes that while previous cases have occurred, large outbreaks have been rare, and conservation efforts remain critical to safeguard the remaining koloa maoli, which have declined due to habitat loss, predation, and genetic challenges.

Watch the full coverage and interview with Helen Raine here.