Ube Bird Flu Update

This is sad (via NHK):

Local authorities in southwestern Japan are culling hundreds of birds at a park after bird flu was detected in a black swan there.

Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture decided to destroy 400 mute swans, black swans and ducks that had been kept on a lake in Tokiwa Park when the H5 strain of the bird flu virus was detected.

City officials began work to kill the birds on Wednesday night.

Ube Mayor Kimiko Kubota says it was a pity to lose something so valuable and adored by the citizens, but that she hopes people will understand they had no choice if they were to prevent the spread of the virus.

The birds in Tokiwa Park were not only one of the main attractions in the park. For many years they, particularly Katta-kun who died in 2008, served as a symbol for the city.

Thanks to user makoto on the flutrackers forum for all the updates.

Ube Nippo Article.

Ube comes down with the (bird) flu?

Workers in Tokiwa Park put up a warning sign (via Ube Nippo)

Video from KRY

On the 6th of this month, a dying duck was found in Tokiwa Park, one of Ube City's main attractions.  Preliminary tests have been made and although the bird has tested for the Influenza A virus, it is unknown whether or not the bird died from the H5N1 virus that has hit Miyazaki prefecture. The bird has been sent to Tottori University for testing and it will take about a week to get the results.

Certain facilities in Tokiwa Park such as the rest house and sports areas are still open to the public while others will be closed for the time being.

Articles:
Ube Nippo
Asahi
Yomiuri
Information from Ube City