HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Experts are reminding the public that the likelihood of catching avian flu is very slim. Though farm workers are the most likely to contract the virus, everyone should stay vigilant.
Hawaii was the only state in the country without Avian Flu, but now it's here.
"As far as public health, we need to be aware, I don't believe there is a need to panic," said Dr. Douglas Chang, veterinarian at Aloha Animal Hospital.
H5N1 is a respiratory virus, a subvarient of Influenza A. It's highly contagious between birds, but much harder for a person to catch.
"In terms of human-to-human transmission, those viruses don't do that typically so if someone catches it, it's not even as highly contagious as a normal type of our seasonal flu that would affect us," said Dr. Axel Lehrer, infectious disease specialist, UH Medical School.
For birds, the virus is deadly and can pass to other animals. For people, symptoms are similar to the flu - fever, cough, sore throat and conjunctivitis.
"This bird might have it and then if I play with it and deal with it, then I'm infected with it, but I'm not sick from it," said Chang. "But I have it on my hands or if I touch my face, and maybe if I'm not as healthy or I'm in poor condition, then I might come down with something of that nature."
Experts remind the public to practice good hygiene and wash their hands to prevent spreading germs.
The Honolulu Department of Customer Services, who's in charge of catching feral chickens on Oahu, said they are not doing anything different as of right now.
Veterinarians said the chances of your pet getting avian flu are very slim. Doctor Chang said even if your cat is sick, there are many other respiratory diseases that are much more common.
"So they probably would be treated the same way in that the viruses are difficult to treat, but secondary bacterial infections are manageable and treatable," said Chang.
Report any sick pets to your vet and contact state officials for any unusual or multiple animal illnesses.
"I don't think we have to be worried," said Chang. "I do think we have to be aware, and it would be good for everybody to remind each other to practice good hygiene."
Contact the State Department of Agriculture Animal Industry Division at (808) 483-7106 or (808) 837-8092 for multiple or unusual animal illnesses.