2017 Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 105-109
High pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was isolated from wild birds found dead in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010-2011, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 in Japan. Some endangered species were included in the infected wild birds. Thus, HPAIV was thought to be one of the factors for population decline. HPAIV infection not only cause serious economic damage to poultry farm industry but also could affect to biodiversity.
On the circumstance, Ministry of Environment, Japan started a nationwide avian influenza virus survey program since 2008. National Institute of Environmental Studies (NIES) joined the program as the responsible organization of the first screening. In addition, NIES conducted the research regarding the virus, especially the aspect of the ecology of the virus. The research results showed that the virus could enter the western Japan in autumn through crossing the Sea of Japan and through the Korean Peninsula by mallards and northern pintails.
