A large number of chickens died at a poultry farm in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, and as a result of genetic testing conducted by the prefecture, a highly pathogenic "H5 type" avian influenza virus was detected.
Akita Prefecture began slaughtering approximately 143,000 birds raised in this poultry farm on the 10th.
At a poultry farm in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, 190 chickens died from the 8th to the 9th, and as a result of genetic testing conducted by the prefecture, 12 out of 13 chickens were highly pathogenic "H5 type" bird flu. A virus has been detected.
In response, the prefecture began slaughtering approximately 143,000 chickens raised in the poultry farm on the morning of the 10th to prevent the spread of the infection.
The prefecture and the Self-Defense Forces have disposed of about 5,000 feathers by 10 am, so the work is expected to take 5 to 7 days.
From the Akita Prefectural Government, 30 staff members of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of the prefecture, who are in charge of disposal, boarded the bus and departed for Yokote City before 8 am on the 10th.
The prefecture has designated a poultry farm within a radius of 3 km as a "restricted movement area" that prohibits the movement of chickens and eggs from poultry farms, and a radius of 10 km as a "restricted export area" that prohibits shipping from that area. Did.
In addition, we will set up multiple disinfection points within a radius of 10 km to disinfect livestock-related vehicles.
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.
Agriculture Minister Kaneko "Complete measures to prevent epidemics"
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kaneko said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 10th that the bird flu virus was detected for the first time in Japan this season from chickens in a poultry farm in Akita Prefecture. We are confirming cooperation with the prefecture. We would like to take all possible measures to prevent epidemics by working closely with the prefecture and related ministries and agencies. "
In addition, it was revealed that 52 cases of bird flu occurred last season, and that other prefectures were notified again on the 10th to reinforce epidemic prevention measures.
On the other hand, after stating that "normally, people are not infected with the avian influenza virus", along with activities to inform consumers, etc., improvement is made when inappropriate labeling is confirmed at retail stores and restaurants. He emphasized his stance of working on measures against reputational damage, such as asking for.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno "Epidemiological Investigation Team Investigates Infection Routes"
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "We will support Akita Prefecture's epidemic prevention measures such as slaughter of poultry, movement restrictions, and strict export restrictions. Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Nakamura. Will be dispatched to Akita Prefecture to hear the prefecture's requests directly. "
On top of that, the Self-Defense Forces have been slaughtered in cooperation with Akita Prefecture since the 10th based on the request for disaster dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces from Akita Prefecture. Explained that he will arrive at the site on the 10th and investigate the infection route.
Meeting with Governor Satake, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Nakamura
Following the detection of the avian influenza virus, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Nakamura visited the Akita Prefectural Government at around 10:30 am on the 10th to meet with Governor Satake and confirmed that the national and prefectural governments would work together to respond. Did.
In this, Governor Satake asked for cooperation, saying, "We are doing epidemic prevention work according to the manual, but this is the first time in Akita Prefecture. We would like to receive guidance from the government in order to do it as quickly as possible."
In response, Deputy Minister Nakamura said, "This is the first case in Japan and the first case in Akita Prefecture this season. It is necessary to take thorough epidemic prevention measures. I'm going to go, so I'd like you to ask for anything. "
Governor Satake instructed prompt response
Following the detection of the avian influenza virus in chickens at a poultry farm in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Akita Prefecture held a countermeasures headquarters meeting after 11:00 am on the 10th.
In this, Governor Satake said, "Since the response to bird flu is very diverse, I would like you to take sufficient cooperation between departments and minimize the impact on the poultry industry," and instructed prompt response. ..
The prefecture said that there were no cases of humans infected with bird flu in Japan, and asked the citizens of the prefecture to take a calm response, and called on them to contact the prefecture if they found it without touching dead birds or dung. I have.