Avian Flu Response Expands Across Japan and Other Regions
<p Authorities in southwestern Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture have announced plans to destroy approximately 120,000 chickens at a local poultry farm in response to the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The measure is part of a broader effort to contain the virus and prevent further spread among poultry populations, according to reports from Kyodo.
<p In early December, a substantial culling occurred in Tottori Prefecture where about 110,000 chickens were slaughtered as part of disease control measures. Officials stressed the need to act quickly to minimize the risk of transmission and protect other farms in the region.
<p Earlier assessments indicated that approximately 34,000 chickens would be slaughtered in Kagawa Prefecture. Subsequent genetic testing confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain on one of the farms in that prefecture, prompting targeted containment actions.
<p The overall toll for the season has been significant, with more than 3.4 million chickens lost to the disease across various parts of the country as authorities traced foci of infection and implemented control strategies.
<p Across the Pacific, Peru has reported wildlife mortality linked to the same viral threat. In recent weeks, experts noted roughly 14,000 dead wild birds along the country’s beaches, including about 10,000 pelicans. The mortality is attributed to bird flu and underscores the far-reaching impact of the outbreak on both domesticated poultry and wild avifauna.
<p In Europe, a poultry facility in England confirmed the presence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza strain. Gavin Watkins, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, stated that the outbreak has prompted heightened biosecurity and surveillance measures across the region.
<p The evolving situation has prompted scientists and veterinarians to monitor the virus’s spread, assess potential risks to human health, and refine vaccination and culling strategies. Authorities emphasize that strict biosecurity, rapid reporting of unusual bird illness or die-offs, and coordinated response efforts remain essential to protecting agricultural industries and natural ecosystems alike.
<p Public health officials reiterate that while animal influenza strains can occasionally cross into humans, such occurrences remain rare, and the primary focus continues to be preventing outbreaks in birds to safeguard food security and livelihoods. The situation illustrates how coordinated actions at the local, national, and international levels are critical for rapid containment and for reducing economic losses tied to poultry farming.