Japan Battles Bird Flu Outbreaks Across Multiple Prefectures
During the bird flu season stretching from autumn to spring, Japanese authorities have culled more than 15 million chickens in response to outbreaks, a figure reported by TASS. This season has seen roughly 60 separate outbreaks across more than 20 prefectures, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing Japan’s poultry industry and animal health services.
Earlier comparisons show that the prior peak occurred from November 2020 to March 2021, when about 10 million chickens were culled as a result of 52 outbreaks. The current period marks a notable escalation in both the number of outbreaks and the total birds affected, prompting renewed emphasis on biosecurity measures and rapid outbreak response.
In December 2022, officials from Aichi Prefecture ordered the culling of about 310,000 chickens to curb the avian flu epidemic. The outbreak center was identified at a poultry farm in Toyohashi City, highlighting how a single site can influence broader regional spread and require coordinated containment efforts, including vaccination considerations, culling decisions, and movement controls for farmed poultry.
Similarly, in the southwestern region of Kagoshima Prefecture, local authorities moved to exterminate around 120,000 chickens at a poultry farm facing a bird flu outbreak. These actions illustrate the ongoing vigilance and decisive measures needed to protect poultry health, maintain supply chains, and minimize economic disruption for farmers and related industries.
Experts note that bird flu seasons in Japan require sustained monitoring of migratory bird patterns, farm biosecurity protocols, and transparent reporting to prevent rapid transmission. Public health authorities emphasize early detection, strict quarantine procedures, and the rapid deployment of culling or vaccination when appropriate to contain outbreaks and safeguard poultry populations. The evolving situation demonstrates the importance of regional coordination among prefectural governments, agricultural advisory services, and veterinary networks as they respond to shifting risk factors and seasonal dynamics.
Farmers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to implement enhanced sanitation practices, restrict farm access to essential personnel, and uphold rigorous record-keeping for animal health. Authorities also stress the value of traceability across supply chains, ensuring that any movement of birds or related products is carefully regulated to prevent cross-border spread and maintain consumer confidence in poultry products. These ongoing efforts aim to protect livelihoods while preserving food security and market stability within Japan and in trade relationships that connect Japan with neighboring regions and global markets. The situation remains closely watched by national and local agencies as they adapt to feedback from environmental conditions, weather patterns, and evolving patterns of disease transmission across the agricultural landscape. Attribution: source reports from TASS and official prefectural statements.