A large number of chickens died at a poultry farm in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, and as a result of genetic testing in the prefecture, a highly pathogenic "H5 type" avian influenza virus was detected.
According to Akita Prefecture and others, this is the first time this season has been detected in chickens at poultry farms.
According to Akita Prefecture, the Livestock Hygiene Service Center was informed that 190 chickens were dying one after another at a poultry farm in Yokote City from the 8th to the 9th. Highly pathogenic "H5" avian influenza virus was detected in 12 chickens.
In response, the prefecture has decided to dispose of all approximately 143,000 chickens raised in the poultry farm to prevent the spread of the infection.
In addition, within a radius of 3 km of this poultry farm, there is a "restricted movement area" that prohibits the movement of chickens and eggs from the poultry farm, and within a radius of 10 km, there is a "restricted export area" that prohibits shipping from that area. In addition to the designation, we requested the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch a disaster.
According to Akita Prefecture, this is the first time that a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has been detected in chickens at poultry farms in the prefecture, and this is the first time in Japan this season.
Prime Minister Kishida instructed related ministries and agencies to take thorough epidemic prevention measures
Prime Minister Kishida requests the relevant ministries and agencies to give strict caution to poultry companies, provides appropriate guidance and support for preventive measures, collects on-site information firmly, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other related ministries are in close contact with each other. We instructed the four points of promptly promoting thorough epidemic prevention measures in cooperation with the Prime Minister and promptly communicating accurate information to the public.
The government has set up an "information liaison office" in the crisis management center of the Prime Minister's Office, and will hold a ministerial meeting after 8:30 am to discuss the response.