The infectious swine disease ASF (African swine fever) is rapidly spreading in Busan, South Korea, near Kyushu, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has warned that the risk of it invading Japan is increasing. In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, we have decided to strengthen our waterfront measures.
ASF (African swine fever) does not infect humans, but if pigs or boars are infected, the fatality rate is almost 100%.
Although no cases of infection have been confirmed in Japan, there are concerns that if an outbreak were to occur in the country, it would cause a major blow to the livestock industry as there is no effective vaccine.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, since December last year, infections have rapidly spread in Busan, in the southeastern part of South Korea, and wild boars to African pigs have been infected near ferry terminals heading to Kyushu, which accounts for about 30% of the number of pigs in Japan. A fever infection was confirmed.
Furthermore, during the Chinese New Year holidays, there will be an increase in tourist traffic between Japan, South Korea, China, and other countries, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to strengthen border measures.
In addition to thoroughly disinfecting the soles of the shoes of those entering the country at airports and ports, we will also disinfect cars and motorcycles when entering the country by car ferry.
In addition, the government says it will work with related organizations to take action, including calling on prefectures to cooperate in alerting people involved in the livestock industry.
Regarding countermeasures, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Sakamoto said, ``The risk of virus invasion is higher than ever.We want to share the sense of crisis and work to prevent invasion.''