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Japan Confirms 9th Bird Flu Outbreak in Kyoto, 280,000 Chickens to be Culled

Japan's agriculture ministry has confirmed a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at a farm in Kyoto Prefecture, marking the country's ninth case this season. The farm, which raises approximately 280,000 egg-laying chickens, will see all birds culled and buried. Authorities have imposed movement restrictions on poultry and eggs within a 10-kilometer radius to contain the virus. This season's previous eight outbreaks have already resulted in the culling of nearly 2.4 million chickens nationwide.

Key Points: Japan's 9th Bird Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Kyoto

  • 9th outbreak this season
  • 280,000 chickens to be culled
  • Movement bans within 10km radius
  • Nearly 2.4 million chickens already culled
2 min read

Japan confirms avian influenza outbreak in Kyoto

Japan confirms a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak at a Kyoto poultry farm, leading to the culling of 280,000 chickens and movement restrictions.

"Genetic testing carried out on Wednesday confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries"

Tokyo, Dec 24

Japan's agriculture ministry said on Wednesday that genetic testing has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a farm in Kyoto Prefecture, marking the ninth bird flu outbreak in the country this season.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the outbreak occurred at a poultry farm in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, which raises approximately 280,000 egg-laying chickens.

Local authorities received a report on Tuesday and conducted a rapid avian influenza test on the farm's chickens the same day, with the results coming back positive. Genetic testing carried out on Wednesday confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

In accordance with relevant guidelines, all chickens at the farm will be culled, incinerated and buried. Additionally, farms within a 3-kilometre radius are banned from moving chickens and eggs, while others located within a radius of 3 to 10 kilometres cannot transport poultry products outside the area.

Disinfection efforts around the farm have been strengthened to prevent further spread of the virus, and an epidemiological investigation team has been dispatched, with experts from the ministry to be sent if necessary, according to the statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

Japan's avian influenza season typically runs from autumn until the following spring. The previous eight outbreaks this season have already led to the culling of nearly 2.4 million chickens. The country's first case was confirmed in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on October 22.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a type of zoonotic (or animal) influenza that affects wild birds and poultry and is caused by virus sub-types A(H5N1), A(H9N2). Avian influenza has occasionally infected humans; however it does not easily transmit between humans. The majority of human cases of avian influenza have been associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Nearly 2.4 million chickens culled already this season? That's a massive economic loss for farmers. The speed of their response seems good, but prevention is always better. Are our airports screening for such things?
A
Aman W
The article says it doesn't easily transmit between humans, which is a relief. But zoonotic diseases are a real threat. We saw it with COVID. Strict bio-security measures at farms are non-negotiable, be it Japan or India.
S
Sarah B
While the containment steps (3km radius ban etc.) sound thorough, culling 280,000 birds is heartbreaking. There must be a more humane way to handle these outbreaks in the 21st century. Just my respectful two cents.
V
Vikram M
Kyoto is a major tourist spot. I hope this doesn't affect travel. More importantly, India imports a lot of equipment and chemicals. Any disruption in Japanese supply chains could have a ripple effect here too.
K
Karthik V
The timeline from report to confirmation was just one day. That's impressive efficiency. Our state animal husbandry departments should take note. Quick detection and isolation are key to preventing a major crisis.

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