Kameoka:Kyoto An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed at a chicken farm in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture, marking the first bird flu case at a poultry farm in Japan this season. The Kyoto prefectural government announced the outbreak on Thursday.
According to Thai News Agency, the prefecture plans to cull approximately 200,000 egg-laying chickens at the affected farm. Additionally, the transportation of 300,000 chickens from seven nearby farms within a 10-kilometer radius will be prohibited. The outbreak was identified after the Kameoka farm reported a rise in dead chickens on Wednesday, with initial tests confirming avian flu, later validated through genetic testing.
Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki has instructed immediate epidemic prevention measures, including the culling of chickens. Nishiwaki emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to prevent confusion among producers and consumers due to unfounded rumors. The central government responded by convening a meeting of related ministers at the prime minister's office, where Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated measures.
Following a meeting of the agriculture ministry's disease control headquarters, Agriculture Minister Arata Takebe highlighted the potential for bird flu outbreaks nationwide. He urged farms to prioritize early detection, notification, and stringent hygiene management. The ministry's food price trend survey noted a record high average price for a pack of 10 eggs in October, with concerns that an avian flu spread could elevate prices further during the high-demand season at year's end. Minister Takebe affirmed the commitment to implementing measures to prevent the spread of bird flu to maintain supply and demand stability.