The Niigata prefectural government confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in Tainai city. This marks the third bird flu outbreak in Japan this season. A total of 630,000 egg-laying chickens at the farm will be culled.
The Niigata prefectural government announced on Tuesday that it has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in the city of Tainai. This is the third bird flu outbreak confirmed at a poultry farm in Japan this season.
The farm reported abnormalities, including an increase in the number of chicken deaths, on Monday morning. A preliminary virus test returned positive results, and a detailed genetic analysis was conducted to confirm the outbreak. A total of 630,000 egg-laying chickens at the Niigata farm will be culled.
The first outbreak of the season was confirmed in the town of Shiraoi in Hokkaido on October 22, followed by the second in the city of Eniwa, also in Hokkaido, on Sunday. According to the prefectural government, all cases involve highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Avian influenza poses a severe threat to poultry, and authorities are implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.