Overview
- Hokkaido authorities announced on Nov. 5 that a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus was detected in a dead Blakiston’s fish owl found in eastern Hokkaido’s Nemuro area.
- The carcass, a wild individual, was recovered on Oct. 27 and returned a positive avian influenza result on Oct. 29.
- Genetic testing by the National Institute for Environmental Studies confirmed the virus’s high pathogenicity.
- Officials said this is the first confirmed avian influenza infection in this species in Japan.
- The species is designated a national natural monument and listed as Red List 1A, indicating an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.