On July 29, 2020, Asian Elephant "Ati" at Ueno Zoo was diagnosed with a mycobacterial infection (suspected tuberculosis). Currently, Ati's condition is stable.

Mycobacterial infections (a general term for bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis) are zoonotic diseases, but they are sensitive to ultraviolet light. Currently, Atti is on public display outdoors. A sufficient distance is maintained from the viewing area through glass, so there is no risk of infection to visitors.


Asian Elephant "Ati" (photographed on April 24, 2020)

Asian Elephant found to be infected

Individual name: Atti
Visual Male
Age 23, born December 14, 1996 in Thailand, arrived at Ueno Zoo on October 11, 2002.

The sequence of events leading up to the discovery of the infection

July 11th (Saturday): Walking became significantly slower. Blood biochemistry tests were performed.
July 19th (Sunday): Almost all of the food from the previous evening was left uneaten. Based on the test results from the 11th, a chronic infectious disease is suspected.
July 20th (Monday): Appetite is gradually recovering. Showing slight signs of fatigue.
July 27th (Monday): Fecal acid-fast bacteria test performed.
July 28 (Tuesday): Tested positive for fecal mycobacteria.
July 29 (Wednesday): Obtained a rapid diagnostic kit for elephant tuberculosis. Confirmed a positive result.
　

Future actions

We will proceed with our response by referring to domestic and international cases. In the future, we plan to conduct more detailed tests (PCR tests and bacterial culture tests) on the four Asian Elephant we are currently raising, including Atti. In addition, we will further reinforce measures to prevent the spread of infection by requiring zookeepers to wear masks, gloves, and goggles during animal care work, and by thoroughly disinfecting with chlorine.

Please note that Asian Elephant exhibit may be suspended depending on changes in the elephant's health condition or other factors.

Animal care status at Ueno Zoo (as of July 31, 2020)

4 animals (1 male, 3 females)
- Male "Ati" Born December 14, 1996 (23 years old). Arrived at the zoo from Thailand on October 11, 2002.
- Female "Daya" Date of birth unknown (estimated age 43). Arrived at the zoo from India on September 20, 1984.
- Female "Surya," date of birth unknown (estimated 26 years old). Arrived at the zoo from India on April 5, 2001.
- Female "Uthai" Born February 7, 1998 (22 years old). Arrived at the zoo from Thailand on October 11, 2002.

Atti's outdoor enclosure (The elephants and visitors are separated by a pool and a glass wall.)		Female outdoor enclosure (A certain distance is maintained between the elephants and visitors.)

(July 31, 2020)