Animal cafes in the nation continue to garner popularity among many, including foreign tourists, as an exciting place to interact with exotic animals, such as hedgehogs and chameleons. However, a new survey released by World Wide Fund for Nature Japan on Friday showed that some animal cafes may be operating with inadequate infection control measures.
The independent global conservation organization conducted the survey in June and July by visiting 25 animal cafes in Tokyo and surrounding areas that promoted having more than 10 exotic wildlife animals such as owls and otters.
The survey, conducted in cooperation with Hokkaido University¡¯s Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, found that risks regarding infections could be seen in many of the stores.
Investigators found through microbial examinations a type of pathogenic E. coli in four of the stores. A type of salmonella bacteria were found in two.
While disinfectants were placed in 24 of the stores, only 14 stores had a hand-washing station in place. Staff in all but two stores asked visitors to sanitize their hands upon entry, but only 14 stores asked guests to do so when they left after petting the animals.
Only two stores put up detailed explanations on their infection control measures, including vaccination, cleaning and ventilation, while 11 stores failed to explain the risks of the animals potentially injuring visitors, as well as how guests should properly handle them.
WWF Japan called for the need to establish a system for facilities handling wild animals, in which experts assess whether the animals¡¯ welfare is being considered, and to review such establishments, including whether to allow direct contact with the animals.
¡°Hygiene management currently relies heavily on the voluntary efforts of customers and business operators,¡± said Yoshiki Ichikawa, a specially appointed assistant professor at Hokkaido University who participated in the research. ¡°The bacteria detected in this investigation represent only the tip of the iceberg, and if the current situation continues, there are concerns that new infections rooting from animals could emerge.¡±
The survey also found that 31 species showcased at the cafes, such as the Asian small-clawed otter, are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being threatened with extinction.
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