- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,056
- 18,910
The highly pathogenic avian influenza, known for its severe fatality rate, is suspected to be behind a surge in unexplained deaths and abnormal behaviour among marine wildlife along eastern Hokkaido's coastline.
Since mid-March, increasing numbers of seabirds and marine mammals along the region's eastern shore are believed to have contracted the virus. In Nemuro, a volunteer-led independent survey had recorded 614 dead seabirds by 4 May, in addition to seals and sea otters. Although a sea otter found dead in neighbouring Hamanaka was confirmed to have been infected, the lack of adequate investigation systems in many nearby municipalities suggests that the actual extent of the outbreak may be significantly underreported.
Since mid-March, increasing numbers of seabirds and marine mammals along the region's eastern shore are believed to have contracted the virus. In Nemuro, a volunteer-led independent survey had recorded 614 dead seabirds by 4 May, in addition to seals and sea otters. Although a sea otter found dead in neighbouring Hamanaka was confirmed to have been infected, the lack of adequate investigation systems in many nearby municipalities suggests that the actual extent of the outbreak may be significantly underreported.
Bird flu suspected in mass deaths of sea animals in eastern Hokkaido - The Mainichi
NEMURO, Hokkaido -- The highly pathogenic avian influenza, known for its high mortality rate, is suspected as the cause of mass deaths and abnormal be