#14,218
After 10 months of farm outbreaks being limited to just two Prefectures (Gifu & Aichi), last week we saw Classical Swine Fever (CSF) reported in a third (see Japan MAFF: Classical Swine Fever Expands To Mie Prefecture).
Today, a 4th Prefecture (Fukui) reports a farm outbreak, the 7th CSF farm outbreak reported in the past month from Japan.The pace of outbreaks has picked up markedly since March, with 24 farms impacted over the past 150 days.
CSF, while similar in appearance and impact to African Swine Fever (ASF), is caused by a different virus. Both are highly contagious among pigs, and can be economically devastating for pork producers, but neither disease poses a direct human health threat.This (translated) announcement from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture.
About confirmation (domestic 34 cases) of sickness of pig cholera in Fukui
July 29
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Today, a case of pig cholera was confirmed at a farm in Echizen city, Fukui Prefecture, which was within 10 km of the wild boar positive confirmation point and was subject to surveillance.
We will make every effort on preventive measures against this disease.
We would like cooperation to refrain strictly from coverage on the spot as there is a risk of causing the spread of this disease.
1. Outline of outbreak farm
Location: Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture
The feeding situation: 309
2. History
(1) Fukui Prefecture received a report from the farm on Sunday, July 28 that the breeding pig had an abnormality, and conducted an on-site inspection by a livestock quarantine officer.
(2) Since examination of livestock sanitation centers raised suspicion of hog cholera, materials were sent to the National Institute of Advanced Animal Health and Research (Note) and genetic analysis was carried out today (July 29 (Monday) )), Proved to be the diseased animal of hog cholera.
(Note) Japan's only specialized research institute on animal health
3. Future response
Based on "specific livestock epidemic disease prevention policy about pig cholera", we will make sure about the following epidemic measures.
(1) We will promptly and properly implement necessary epidemic prevention measures such as killing and burning of pig breeding on the farm, and setting of movement restricted area.
(2) About farms in movement restricted area, we carry out outbreak situation check examination immediately.
(3) In order to prevent the spread of infection, we will strengthen disinfection around the outbreak farm and establish disinfection points on major roads.
(4) We dispatch a national epidemiological research team to investigate the infection route.
(5) We will make thorough early detection and early notification of this disease.
(6) We will strive to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc. as well as working closely with relevant government agencies.
(7) We will thoroughly provide guidance on compliance with the management standards for sanitation such as disinfection of farms and prevention of invasion of wildlife to farms.
(8) Investigate the route of infection and prevent spread, assume all possibilities for investigation.
4. Other
(1) Porcine cholera is a disease of swine and wild boar and does not infect humans. In addition, infected pig meat does not go on the market.
(2) We ask for your cooperation in the field of on-site coverage from the fact that it may cause the spread of the disease and that it may violate the privacy of farmers. In particular, coverage using a helicopter is an obstacle to epidemic prevention work, so please strictly refrain.
(3) Since we will continue to provide prompt and accurate information, we ask for your cooperation not to be confused by people such as producers or consumers due to groundless rumors.
Up until last September, Japan was one of just 35 countries (see map below) that had been certified by the OIE as being free of the disease, with their last outbreak reported in the early 1990s.
Meanwhile, in Asia African Swine Fever continues to spread, with Vietnam reporting the heaviest losses (see FAO ASF update), but with many outside experts believing that China is drastically under-reporting their losses.
