Japan Reports Ninth Avian Influenza Outbreak This Season

Japan has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in Kyoto Prefecture, marking the ninth case reported nationwide this season.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that genetic testing confirmed the infection at a farm in Kameoka City.

Local authorities received a report on Tuesday and conducted rapid avian influenza tests on the farm’s chickens the same day, returning positive results.

Genetic analysis carried out on Wednesday confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. The affected farm raises approximately 280,000 egg-laying chickens.

In line with national biosecurity guidelines, authorities will cull, incinerate, and bury all chickens at the affected farm.

Movement restrictions have also been imposed to contain the virus.

Farms within a three-kilometre radius face a complete ban on transporting chickens and eggs, while those located between three and ten kilometres cannot move poultry products outside the designated area.

Strengthened Biosecurity Efforts

Officials have intensified disinfection operations around the farm to prevent further spread of the virus.

An epidemiological investigation team has been dispatched to assess the source of the outbreak, and experts from the agriculture ministry will join the probe if required, according to the ministry’s statement.

Japan’s avian influenza season typically extends from autumn through the following spring. The country confirmed its first outbreak of the current season in Hokkaido on 22 October.

The previous eight outbreaks have already resulted in the culling of nearly 2.4 million chickens nationwide, highlighting the severity of the ongoing season.

Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a zoonotic disease that primarily affects wild birds and poultry. It is caused by influenza A virus subtypes such as H5N1 and H9N2.

While human infections have been reported, the virus does not easily spread between people. Most human cases occur through direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry.

Japanese authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures.

The government remains focused on preventing further outbreaks and protecting both the poultry industry and public health.

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