Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds

Report on the Lifting of Important Areas for Bird Watching

The designated wildlife monitoring priority area (within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site) due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza that occurred in Hino City and Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, has been lifted as of April 12, 2023.
We will continue to collect information from the national government and others, and strengthen the monitoring of wild birds.

About Avian Influenza

Avian influenza refers to the influenza caused by the avian influenza virus, which primarily spreads among birds. The influenza that occurs when birds are infected with the type A influenza virus is collectively referred to as avian influenza.
Among avian influenza viruses, there are those that show strong pathogenicity towards chickens and those that show weak pathogenicity. Among them, the influenza caused by highly pathogenic viruses (A/H5, A/H7 types) that result in severe systemic symptoms or mass deaths is known as highly pathogenic avian influenza.
It is generally believed that, except in special cases of close contact with infected birds, it does not usually infect humans.
To date, no human infections have been confirmed in the country.
The causes of death in wild birds can vary, including food shortages, environmental changes, collisions with buildings, and attacks from predators, so even if wild birds are found dead, there is no immediate need to suspect avian influenza.

If you find a dead wild bird in a nearby place

Wild birds die for various reasons, such as changes in the environment or lack of food. It is considered that there is no immediate need to suspect avian influenza just because a wild bird is dead. Especially from winter to early spring, it is not uncommon for many wild animals, not just wild birds, to die due to cold and food shortages.
For birds that show no signs of trauma or decay, and where the cause of death is unknown and believed to have occurred recently, please contact us through the Contact for inquiries about avian influenza in wild birds.
Unless there is a situation where many wild birds are dying at once or where birds are dying consecutively in the same location, you can place the dead bird in a plastic bag without touching it with your bare hands, seal it properly, and dispose of it as Burnable Garbage.

About the Infection of Avian Influenza Virus in Humans

Avian influenza virus is believed not to infect humans except in cases of close contact with infected birds.
In daily life, if you wash your hands and gargle after coming into contact with bird droppings, there is no need for excessive worry, so
we ask for a calm response.

Reference Information

• Ministry of the Environment "Information on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza"(External Link)
• Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Environment Website "Avian Influenza Information on Wild Birds"(External Link)

Contact information regarding avian influenza infection in "wild birds"

Tokyo Tama Environmental Office Nature Environment Department Wildlife Protection Management Section
Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM, Phone: Weekdays from 9 AM to noon, 1 PM to 5 PM
Phone: 042-521-2948