A highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza has been detected in chickens at a poultry farm in Japan’s Hokkaido, following the discovery of several dead chickens. This marks the country’s first confirmed outbreak of the season.
In response, Hokkaido authorities have started culling around 19,000 chickens at the farm as a precaution, with the process expected to be completed by Friday.
Movement restrictions have also been put in place, prohibiting the transport of chickens and eggs within a 3-kilometer radius of the farm and restricting the movement of poultry products beyond a 10-kilometer radius, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Hokkaido government called for strict adherence to containment measures to prevent further spread and reassured the public that poultry products already in circulation remain safe for consumption.
In response to the outbreak, the Japanese government has established an information liaison office at the Prime Minister’s Crisis Management Center and has begun gathering data in coordination with local authorities.
Add Comment