About highly pathogenic avian influenza regarding wild birds
Update date: April 14, 2023
Report on the lifting of the priority areas for wild bird monitoring
As of April 12, 2020, the priority wild bird monitoring area (within a radius of 10 km) designated for highly pathogenic avian influenza that occurred in Hino City and Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture was lifted as of April 12, 2020. I did.
We will continue to collect information from the national government and other sources and strengthen monitoring of wild birds.
About avian influenza
Avian influenza is an influenza virus that is caused by the avian influenza virus and is mainly prevalent among birds. Influenza caused by influenza A virus infection in birds is collectively called avian influenza.
Among avian influenza viruses, there are viruses that are highly pathogenic to chickens and others that are weakly pathogenic. Among these, highland pathogenic avian influenza is an influenza caused by highly pathogenic viruses (types A/H5 and A/H7) that can cause serious systemic symptoms and mass deaths.
It is generally not thought to be contagious to humans, except in special cases such as close contact with infected birds.
No human infections have been confirmed in Japan to date.
Wild birds can die for a variety of reasons, including food shortages, changes in the environment, collisions with buildings, and attacks from enemies. Even if a wild bird dies, there is no need to immediately suspect avian influenza.
If you find a dead wild bird in your local area
Wild birds die for a variety of reasons, including changes in the environment and not being able to find food. Even if wild birds die, there is no need to immediately suspect avian influenza. Especially from winter to early spring, it is not uncommon for many wildlife species, not just wild birds, to die due to cold temperatures and lack of food.
If the cause of death is unknown as there is no external injury or decomposition, and the bird appears to have died recently, please contact us from [Contact information regarding avian influenza infection in wild birds].
Unless a large number of wild birds are dying at once or in the same place consecutively, place the dead birds in a plastic bag without touching them with bare hands, seal the bag properly, and dispose of it as burnable garbage. can do.
Regarding the transmission of avian influenza virus to humans
Avian influenza viruses are not thought to be contagious to humans, unless there is close contact with infected birds.
In your daily life, as long as you wash your hands and gargle after coming into contact with bird excrement, there is no need to worry too much.
Please respond calmly.
Reference information
Ministry of the Environment “Information on highly pathogenic avian influenza” (external link)
Contact information regarding avian influenza infection in wild birds
Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Environmental Office Natural Environment Division Bird and Wildlife Protection Management Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to noon, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: 042-521-2948
Inquiries regarding this page
Inagi City Urban Environment Development Department Living Environment Division
2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City
Phone: 042-378-2111 Fax: 042-377-4781