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| Outbreaks In Central Japan Since 2018 |
#14,629
Since September of 2018 we've been following the return of Classical Swine Fever to Japan, after it was successfully eradicated more than 26 years ago. Over the past 16 months we've seen 50+ farm outbreaks, more than 1000 wild boar found affected, and more than a million pigs culled across 12 Prefectures of Central Japan (see Japan MAFF: Confirmation Of 51st Farm Outbreak Of CSF (Aichi)).
While further spread of the virus (which like ASF, does not affect humans) is not unexpected, the news overnight from Japan's MAFF that the virus has turned up more than 1300 km away - on the island of Okinawa - is a genuine surprise.
Apparently two farms are affected, one laboratory confirmed and the other strongly suspected. Exactly how the virus managed to jump more than 800 miles - mostly over water - to the island of Okinawa, has not been explained as yet.
Two (translated) reports from Japan's MAFF:
Confirmation of CSF cases in Okinawa (52 cases in Japan)
January 8
Ministry of Agriculture , Forestry and Fisheries
Today, CSF affected animals were confirmed on a farm in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture. We will make every effort to prevent epidemics of this disease.
We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from interviewing on the spot because it may cause the spread of this disease.+
1.Outline of outbreak farm
Location: Uruma City, Okinawa PrefectureHousing: 3932. Background
- (1) In Okinawa Prefecture, on January 6 (Monday), a farm reported that pigs had died, and a livestock quarantine inspector conducted an on-site inspection.
- (2) As a result of the inspection at the Livestock Hygiene Service Center, suspicion of CSF was raised. The materials were sent to the National Institute of Animal Health Research (*) for genetic analysis, and the CSF was found on January 8 (Wednesday). Turned out to be a patient.
- (Note) Japan's only specialized research organization for animal health
- (3) For this reason, pigs on this farm take measures to prevent epidemics, and pigs on the farm (Uruma City, the same prefecture) where the farm and the feeding manager are the same. Will also be treated as simulated CSF cattle and will take measures to prevent epidemics (Target: 825 animals (one farm per farm)).
The second farm outbreak appears to be strongly suspected (simulated).
Confirmation of simulated CSF cases in Okinawa (53 cases in Japan)
January 8
Ministry of Agriculture , Forestry and Fisheries
Today, a simulated CSF animal was confirmed at a farm in Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture, adjacent to the 52nd CSF-producing farm in Japan. We will make every effort to prevent epidemics of this disease.
We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from interviewing on the spot because it may cause the spread of this disease.
1. Outline of outbreak farm
Location: Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture
Rearing Status: 921
2. Background
(1) On January 7 (Tuesday), Okinawa Prefecture conducted on-site inspections by livestock quarantine personnel on a farm adjacent to the 52nd CSF-causing farm in Japan.
(2) A detailed examination was carried out today (Wednesday, January 8) by the Livestock Hygiene Service Center and it was found that the animal was a simulated CSF patient.
