2017 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 1-4
The Obihiro Zoo and the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine carry out collaborative research, making use of their locational characteristics. When a display animal dies and the cause of the death cannot be identified at the Obihiro Zoo, detailed diagnosis may be requested for, at the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. In a recent case, a fantail pigeon died at the Obihiro Zoo, and was diagnosed with Trichomonas gallinae infection by the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. In order to evaluate the actual situation of T. gallinae infection at the Obihiro Zoo and the measures to be taken, the rate of infection at the zoo was investigated in cooperation with the Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. In addition to another fantail pigeon from the same cage, it was confirmed in three other types of birds. The birds that infection was confirmed in originated from wild animals rescued in Hokkaido. Presently, we are utilizing grant money from an external organization to investigate actual infection situations in wild birds and birds in captivity in Hokkaido. In areas richly endowed with nature like Hokkaido, the role that a zoo has is large. Research activities in cooperation with a university, may strongly contribute for a zoo to be recognized socially as a place for research of wild animals.
