#11,956
On Monday (see Japan: MAFF Reports 2 Suspected Outbreaks Of H5N6 In Poultry) - after numerous detections of H5N6 in wild birds - Japan's Ministry of Agriculture announced outbreaks of AI in two poultry farms in Aomori and Niigata Prefectures.
Yesterday, we saw confirmation from the FAO that the virus was HPAI H5 - but it's N-type had not yet been identified. More than 300,000 birds were ordered culled.Today, Japan's MAFF reports a second suspected outbreak in Niigata Prefecture - roughly 140 km from the first one - involving a farm with roughly 230,000 birds.
While the exact subtype and genetic signature of these outbreaks have yet to be determined, Japan sits in the same migratory flyway as South Korea, which has identified a reassorted H5N6 virus in multiple locations.
This (translated) report from MAFF.
Confirmation of cases suspected of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Niigata Prefecture and holding of "Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Against Avian Influenza Preparedness Measures Headquarters"
November 30, Heisei 28
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
A case was confirmed today that a highly pathogenic avian influenza, a domestic animal infectious disease, is suspected at an egg-picking chicken farm in Niigata Prefecture (a place 140 km away from the farm where the day before yesterday occurred). In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries today held "Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Against Avian Influenza Preparedness Measures Headquarters" and decided on future response policy.
The farm refrains from moving farmers etc. from the time the farmer reports.
In Japan, there have been no reported cases of human infection with avian influenza virus by eating poultry meat and poultry eggs.
Since coverage at the work site may cause spread of the disease and it may invade the privacy of the farmers, we ask for your cooperation in order to refrain seriously.
1. Outline of farm
Location: Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
Feeding situation: Hatching chickens (about 230,000 birds)
2. Background
(1) Today, in Niigata prefecture, in response to a report to the effect that dead hatching chickens have increased, ask the farms to refrain from moving and carry out on-site inspection on the farm.
(2) For the egg-laying hens, a simple influenza test was performed and positive.
(3) Currently, genetic testing for the egg-laying hens is in progress.
3. Future response
Based on the result of the genetic test, if it is confirmed that it is a pseudo-affected animal of highly pathogenic avian influenza, the following measures are taken based on the "Guideline on Specific Animal Infectious Disease Control for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza" We will carry out.
1. (1) killing and embedding breeding houses of the farm,
(2) setting movement restricted areas for the area within 3 km radius from the farm,
(3) Implementing necessary epidemic measures, such as the setting of discharge restricted areas, for areas within a radius of 3 km to 10 km quickly and accurately.
2. Immediately conducted checking of occurrence status on the farm within the movement restricted area.
3. To prevent the spread of infection, strengthen the disinfection around the farm and place disinfection points on the main road.
4. Food, Agriculture, Rural Policy Council Animal Health Subcommittee Organizing the Animal Health Subcommittee Substitute Disease Subcommittee to hold around, and obtain technical advice necessary for anti-epidemic measures.
5. Dispatch experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and veterinary universities to the site in order to accurately grasp the infection situation, the route of infection and so on, and to examine appropriate precautionary policy.
6. We dispatch an "Emergency Support Team" from animal quarantine stations, livestock breeding centers, etc. in various places, as necessary, to support the prevention of Niigata prefecture cessation, burial and other epidemic measures.
7. Dispatch epidemiological survey team.
8. Notify all prefectures of early detection of this disease and thoroughness of early notification.
9. We will strive to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc while fully working with related ministries and agencies.
