The number of chickens and other animals that have been disposed of due to avian influenza this season has already reached a record high. exceeded.
This season, after an outbreak was confirmed in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture and Atsuma Town, Hokkaido Prefecture on October 28 last year, bird flu has continued at an unprecedented pace. This is the highest number ever.
On the 10th, a new outbreak of avian influenza was confirmed at a poultry farm in Kawaminami, Miyazaki Prefecture, and according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the total number of chickens to be disposed of is about 10.08 million, one season. surpassed 10 million birds for the first time.
In addition, the number of outbreaks at poultry farms has already reached a record high, with a total of 57 cases in 23 prefectures including this case.
As for the reason for the unusual pace of bird flu outbreaks, experts say that infected migratory birds began arriving in late September, the earliest ever, and that the virus was brought in unprecedentedly, and it has taken root in the country. It points out that the infection may spread to birds that are still there, and the virus may continue to be maintained until spring.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is calling on poultry farmers and others to take thorough measures such as disinfection and promptly repairing facilities to prevent wild animals carrying the virus from entering.