November 28, 2023

Japan reports first case of highly pathogenic bird flu this season

Japan has confirmed the first case of highly pathogenic H5-type bird flu at a poultry farm in the southern part of the country, The Straits Times reported.

The local government in Saga prefecture plans to cull approximately 40,000 birds on the affected farm. Japanese public broadcaster NHK, citing agriculture ministry officials, said that this marks the initial instance of highly pathogenic bird flu in the ongoing season.

In response to the detected case, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to convene relevant cabinet ministers to discuss and implement measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, according to NHK.

The virus was identified through genetic testing carried out after some poultry birds were discovered dead at the farm on November 24. The incidence of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been a global concern in recent years, leading to the mass culling of hundreds of millions of birds globally.

Japan witnessed a record 17.7 million poultry birds culled last season due to bird flu.

-      The Straits Times