As a result of a simple inspection of chickens raised at a poultry farm in Yachiyo Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, it was found that they were suspected of being infected with avian influenza.
Ibaraki Prefecture will dispose of approximately 1.11 million chickens from this poultry farm if infection is confirmed.
According to Ibaraki Prefecture, around 9:30 am on the 2nd, a poultry farm in Yachiyo Town contacted us saying, "About 100 chickens for egg collection are dead."
When the prefecture conducted a simple test on dead chickens, it turned out to be positive, and it was found that there was a suspicion that they were infected with avian influenza.
The prefecture has decided to dispose of it if it is confirmed that it is infected with avian influenza, based on the results of the genetic test that is expected to be revealed in the morning of the 3rd.
According to the prefecture, the number of egg-laying chickens raised at this poultry farm is the largest in the prefecture, and it is expected that approximately 1.11 million chickens will be subject to disposal.
It is also considering requesting disaster dispatch to the Self-Defense Forces.
As of February last year, Ibaraki Prefecture ranks number one in Japan for the number of egg-laying chickens, with approximately 15.14 million.
On the other hand, outbreaks of avian influenza have been occurring one after another in Ibaraki Prefecture this season, and the number of chickens and other animals that have been disposed of due to highly pathogenic avian influenza so far has reached a record high of over 2 million.
Yukio Tanai, head of the Prefectural Livestock Division, said, "While we are making efforts, it is unfortunate that the outbreak continues. We will continue to reexamine measures together with farmers and strive to reduce the risk of infection."