Tokyo Tama Zoological Park closed due to suspected bird flu infection in ducks

Ducks raised at Tama Zoological Park in Hino City, Tokyo, were found to be infected with avian influenza in a simple test by the city, and the city will be closed for the time being from the 15th.

According to the capital, from the 11th to the 14th of this month, a total of three shelducks bred in the duck pond of the Tama Zoological Park in Hino City were found dead one after another.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government conducted a simple test on the dead ducks, which was positive, indicating that they were suspected to be infected with avian influenza.

The TMG is planning to conduct genetic testing at the National Institute for Environmental Studies to determine whether the virus is highly infectious and highly pathogenic.

In addition, a total of 31 ducks were kept in the pond, and in addition to the three that died, another duck was confirmed to be positive.

As a result, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has decided to close Tama Zoological Park for the time being on the 15th, a day on which the park was originally closed, and to disinfect the duck ponds and the surrounding area.

In addition, in order to prevent infection, other metropolitan zoos are also suspending the display of some birds and strengthening their surveillance of dead birds in the park.