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 radius of 10 kilometers from 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 the avian influenza viruses, there are those that show strong pathogenicity towards chickens and others that show weak pathogenicity. Among them, the influenza caused by highly pathogenic viruses (A/H5, A/H7 types) that result in severe systemic symptoms and mass mortality is known as highly pathogenic avian influenza.
It is generally believed that humans do not get infected, except in special cases such as close contact with infected birds.
No human infections have been confirmed in the country so far.
The causes of wild bird deaths include various factors such as food shortages, environmental changes, collisions with buildings, and attacks from predators. Therefore, even if a wild bird is 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 have no signs of trauma or decay, and for which the cause of death is unknown, and are believed to have died recently, please contact us through the [Contact Information for Inquiries about Avian Influenza in Wild Birds].
If there is not a situation where many wild birds are dying at once or continuously dying in the same place, you can place the dead birds in a plastic bag without touching them with your bare hands, seal it properly, and dispose of it as Burnable Garbage.

About the Infection of Avian Influenza Virus in Humans

The avian influenza virus is believed to not 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 to worry excessively.
Please respond calmly.

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 Division 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