As a result of genetic testing, it was confirmed that the red-crowned crane, which is a national special natural monument protected in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, was infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
This is the first time that an infected Japanese crane has been confirmed in Japan.
According to the Hokkaido Kushiro General Promotion Bureau and others, on the 20th of this month, one red-crowned crane was found to be weakened in the Ombetsu district of Kushiro City. A type of avian influenza virus was detected.
According to the Ministry of the Environment, this is the first time that Japanese cranes have been confirmed to be infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
According to Hokkaido, there are no poultry farms within a 3-kilometer radius from where the red-crowned crane was protected, and there have been no reports of any abnormalities at poultry farms in Hokkaido at this time.
Red-crowned cranes were once on the verge of extinction and are now designated as an endangered species.
From now on, the red-crowned cranes will gather at feeding stations in Kushiro City and Tsurui Village in search of food.