Author: Site Administrator

HPAI Possible Exposure at Mililani Pet Fair

DOH NOTIFIES PUBLIC OF POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO AVIAN INFLUENZA AT MILILANI PET FAIR HELD NOV. 2

November 17, 2024                                                                                                    24-147

Investigation by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) and Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) of confirmed H5N1 avian influenza in a backyard flock of various birds in Central Oʻahu has identified a potential exposure to members of the public who attended the Mililani Pet Fair held on Nov. 2, 2024.

While certain birds from the infected flock were present at the fair, the first signs of infection in the flock did not occur until several days after the fair. As the birds were not showing signs of infection at the time of the fair, the likelihood of spreading H5N1 to humans is low. However, out of an abundance of caution, DOH recommends that individuals who attended the fair and touched a duck or goose monitor for influenza-like illness (ILI) and conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) symptoms.

Individuals who attended the fair and have not developed symptoms can be reassured. Symptoms of avian influenza in humans usually develop within two to five days of exposure but can take up to 10 days to develop in some cases. Symptoms that are associated with bird flu infection in humans are typical mild and may include the following:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”)

Avian influenza in humans can be treated with antiviral medications.

The DOH advises anyone who attended the fair, touched a duck or goose at the fair, and is currently experiencing ongoing symptoms to isolate at home. Please contact your primary care provider for evaluation and testing, as well as the DOH Disease Reporting Line at 808-586-4586 for further guidance (calls answered 24/7). Please also call the DOH Disease Reporting Line if you’ve experienced symptoms that have since been resolved. Health care providers can submit specimen samples to Hawaiʻi’s State Laboratory Division (SLD) for bird flu testing.

If other animals had contact with a duck or goose at the fair and are exhibiting signs of illness, owners should contact their veterinarians. The likelihood of transmission is low; however, HDOA veterinarians have advised local private veterinarians of the situation and asked them to report any possible cases of infection.

To report multiple or unusual illnesses in poultry, livestock, or other wild birds or animals, contact HDOA’s Animal Industry Division at 808-483-7102, Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 808-837-8092 during non-business hours and holidays.

For more information about avian influenza, visit the DOH website: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/avian-influenza/. 

2024 Veterinary Leadership Conference

AVMA is hosting their annual Veterinary Leadership Conference (VLC) January 9-11, 2025. HVMA delegates Carolyn Naun and Jenee Odani will attend the conference and House of Delegates sessions. Through a unique mix of CE sessions, AVMA governance meetings, and networking events, attendees will expand and hone leadership skills and learn to better advocate and make key decisions for the good of the veterinary profession.

AVMA offers $1000 scholarships to recent graduates (within past 5 years) to attend the conference. Applications for this scholarship are due October 15, 2024.

HVMA also provides sponsorship to an HVMA member interested in developing their leadership skills. Interested applicants must be an AVMA member to also receive airfare and lodging covered by the AVMA. Please contact us if you are interested in this opportunity and getting more involved in leadership within the veterinary community.

More information available here. 

In Remembrance – Al K. Takayama

Allen Takayama, DVM

AL K. TAKAYAMA 92, passed away on April 10, 2024, in Honolulu. He was born and grew up in Hilo along with his predeceased nine siblings. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and practiced for nearly 50 years, initially in California, then in Honolulu after moving back to Hawaii where he built his own animal hospital in Aina Haina. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, good food and wine. He is survived by his wife Elaine, son Allen (Cathy), son Jon (Lise), daughter Lori (Nathan) Chung, and six grandchildren. Private services were held. The family requests no flowers or monetary gifts (koden).

HVMA Mentorship Program

The HVMA Mentorship Program offers opportunities for recent graduate (c/o 2020-2024) veterinarians to connect with other veterinarians in the state, as well as resources and guidance to pursue career and professional development. To receive these opportunities, join HVMA and fill out this form here. HVMA offers FREE New Grad Membership to all 2024 graduates! We look forward to meeting and helping you in your veterinary career!

2024 HVMA Scholarship Recipients

The HVMA Scholarship Committee received applications from so many excellent veterinary students with ties to Hawaii that the Committee decided to award $1000 individual scholarships to five deserving students:

1. Lauren Arakaki, 3rd year Colorado State University
2. Alicia Hara, 3rd year Washington State University
3. Deziree Huynh, 3rd year Lincoln Memorial University
4. Irene Liang, 3rd year Oregon State University
5. Samantha Masca, 3rd year Colorado State University

Congratulations to these veterinary students! Thank you to the generous donations from the vets on the Scholarship Committee. If you are interested in donating to support the HVMA Scholarship for vet students from Hawaii, please contact us.

AVMA Updates – Summer 2024

The AVMA House of Delegates approved revisions to the policy that provides ethical guidance for all veterinarians, restructuring it to improve clarity and usability. Among the changes, the policy now features a Code of Conduct with three sections: provide competent medical care, prioritize patient welfare in balance with client needs and public safety, and uphold standards of professionalism.
Read more

Two new surveys find lack of support for midlevel practitioner. Both the American Association of Veterinary State Boards and the Veterinary Management Groups said they support better utilization of credentialed veterinary technicians as part of the answer to workforce issues.
Read more

Revised CPR standards issued for dogs and cats. The first update to the life-saving RECOVER guidelines since 2012 emphasizes speed and standard techniques. Changes include a streamlined CPR algorithm and new drug dosing charts. 
Read more

AVMA MENTORSHIP

Any AVMA member with less than 10 years of professional experience can now get free professional mentoring through MentorVet Connect, brought to you by the AVMA. Learn more.

2024 HVMA Conference Registration Now Open

This year we are moving our annual conference to the Hawaii Convention Center! Labs will be offered on Nov 6-7, 2024, and a full slate of lectures will fill Nov 8-10, 2024. Lecture topics include behavior, cardiology, anesthesia, soft tissue surgery, exotics, and more! 

Registration is now open for attendees and exhibitors. Remember to log in to your HVMA online account to receive the discounted registration rates for active members. Accommodations will be across the street from the convention center at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Check out our conference page where you can find lab details and our conference schedule. Please join us for great RACE-approved CE, our lively exhibit hall, food, and fellowship, and get to know your local vet community! 

In Remembrance: Lester Naito

Dr. Naito with Tomi, a chihuahua-terrier.
Photo by Craig T. Kojima

Lester Naito graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1959 and opened his 1st clinic in 1963, Animal Clinic Waimalu, followed by Animal Clinic Mililani, Moanalua, Waipahu, and Kapolei. These clinics are now VCA Animal Hospitals.

Dr. Naito studied for two years as a pre-med major at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He chose to further his education at OSU because the pre-veterinary requirements closely matched his pre-med course work.

He and his wife Grace have 4 kids, Steven, Joanne, Scott and Leslie.

I will always be grateful to Doctor Lester Naito for giving me the opportunity to gain experience and grow in the profession as a beginning veterinarian.  By example, he kept his optimism even during difficult circumstance.  His foresight and support were instrumental in developing my own professional vision .   Through the years his life touched many of us as employees, pet owners and friends.  Les will be missed.
– Dr. Isaac Maeda