April 2, 2019

Japan detects African swine fever virus for the first time

Japan has, for the first time, detected the African swine fever (ASF) disease in the country, NHK reported.

In January this year, a live ASF virus was discovered in pork sausages brought from China at Chubu International Airport in central Japan, according to the agriculture ministry. In response, the ministry will strengthen preventive measures, which include establishing a database of individuals who bring meat products illegally into the country and filing formal charges against repeat offenders.

In addition, the ministry will work closely with other government departments to prepare for the upcoming 10-day holiday in Japan, agriculture minister Takamori Yoshikawa told reporters.

African swine fever has been spreading in China and other parts of Asia. The disease is different from swine fever that has been reported recently in Japan.

- NHK