Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reports a tragic toll in Niigata Prefecture as about 680,000 chickens are slated for destruction due to a bird flu outbreak. This update comes as authorities confirm the situation after tests indicated a bird flu presence, with genetic analysis on Monday validating a highly pathogenic strain. This marks the 78th confirmed case of the season, underscoring the ongoing challenges in rumah farming communities. An official statement notes that the culling of chickens will proceed to contain the virus and protect public health and the broader poultry sector. [Source: DEA News]
In a related development, March 2 saw authorities taking aggressive measures across Japan, destroying more than 15 million chickens during the current bird flu season, which runs from autumn through spring. This aggressive culling policy reflects Japan’s strict stance against the spread of the disease and aims to safeguard poultry producers and food security nationwide. [Source: DEA News]
Earlier in the season, there was a response in Chiba Prefecture after a suspected bird flu event was identified on a farm in the city of Sosa. Subsequent analyses confirmed the presence of a highly pathogenic strain, prompting protective culling and containment measures to prevent further spread. [Source: DEA News]
Back in December 2022, Aichi Prefecture faced a substantial outbreak that led to the loss of roughly 310,000 chickens. The focus of transmission was traced to a poultry farm in Toyohashi, prompting authorities to implement rapid response actions to stem transmission and protect the local economy and food supply. [Source: DEA News]