Japan is facing its first avian influenza outbreak of the season, with authorities culling around 19,000 birds at a poultry farm in Hokkaido. Following reports of birds dying from disease at the farm in Atsuma, a genetic test confirmed they were infected with a highly contagious strain of the virus.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has urged swift action to contain the epidemic, with government agencies implementing quarantine measures and requesting businesses to take precautions. Around 710,000 birds at five nearby poultry farms have been placed under movement restrictions within a 10-kilometer radius of the affected farm.
This outbreak serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of avian influenza to poultry populations and the importance of proactive measures to prevent its spread. With authorities on high alert, efforts are being made to prevent further outbreaks and protect both bird populations and public health.
Japan remains vigilant in its response to this avian influenza outbreak and continues to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further spread of the virus.
© KYODO