#15,594
In yesterday's report, we saw Japan's 11th confirmed poultry farm outbreak of HPAI H5 (likely H5N8) since November 1st, making it the first outbreak in Miyazaki Prefecture (Hyuga City) in nearly 3 years. We also saw a report, from the Miyazaki Prefecture website, indicating they were investigating a 2nd suspected outbreak in Tsuno Town, roughly 23 km south of the first outbreak.
First, this confirmation of the second outbreak in Miyazaki Prefecture. While a relatively small operation (30,000 birds), we are informed that an additional 6.33 million birds are being raised on farms located within 10km of this affected site.Today we have confirmation of that second outbreak (#12), along with two additional farm outbreaks (#13 & #14) in hard hit Kagawa Prefecture, making this easily the nation's worst avian flu epizootic in more than 4 years.
Confirmation of pseudo-patients with highly pathogenic avian influenza in Tsuno Town (2nd report)
On December 1, a case of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza was found to be H5 subtype at a meat chicken farm in Tsuno Town, and it was found to be a pseudo-patient of highly pathogenic avian influenza. It was confirmed.
Based on the national guidelines, the prefecture decided to start necessary epidemic prevention measures such as slaughtering chickens on the farm, blocking traffic, and setting restricted areas for movement, and requested the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch disasters.
1. Farm overview
location
Tsuno Town Kawakita
Breeding status
Number of chickens raised: Approximately 30,000 (chicken for meat)
When combined with the 780,000 birds within a 10km distance of Miyazaki's other farm outbreak, more than 7 million farmed birds are withing the restricted carry-out areas in just this one prefecture.
Meanwhile, Kagawa Prefecture reports their 9th & 10th outbreak since early November, forcing them to cull nearly 2 million birds.
This announcement from Japan's Ministry of Environment.
Confirmation of pseudo-patients with highly pathogenic avian influenza in Kagawa Prefecture (13th and 14th cases of poultry in Japan)
On December 2, 2nd year of Reiwa, it was reported that the 13th and 14th cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza were confirmed in the poultry farm in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. In response to this report, we will strengthen the monitoring of wild birds by designating the area within a radius of 10 km around the outbreak farm as a priority area for wild bird monitoring.
1. 1. Background
December 1st (Tuesday)
・ Kagawa Prefecture received a report that the number of dead chickens increased, and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm (located within a radius of 3 km from the farm that occurred in Kagawa Prefecture (first case in Japan, etc.) this year).
・ A simple influenza test was conducted on the chicken and the result was positive.
Wednesday, December 2
・ As a result of genetic testing of the chicken, it was confirmed that it was a H5 subtype and was a pseudo-patient with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
2. 2. Correspondence
(1) On December 2, the area around the farm with a radius of 10km will be designated as a priority area for wild bird monitoring, and wild bird monitoring will be strengthened.
(2) No abnormalities such as mass death of wild birds were confirmed in the emergency investigation accompanying the occurrence of the first to fourth cases of domestic poultry in Kagawa prefecture. In addition, no abnormality was confirmed in the subsequent monitoring.
(3) According to the "Technical Manual for Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds" ( published at http://www.env.go.jp/nature/dobutsu/bird_flu/manual/pref_0809.html ) We will take measures such as strengthening monitoring.
(4) The nationwide response level for wild bird surveillance has been raised to the highest level, "response level 3" , as of November 5, and we will continue to strengthen monitoring of wild birds nationwide.
Kagawa Prefecture Outbreaks 2020
Meanwhile South Korea - which up until a couple of days ago had only been reporting numerous environmental detections of HPAI (in dead birds, bird feces, water, etc.), reports their second farm outbreak in 5 days.
This latest outbreak is roughly 150 km to the north and east of their first farm outbreak.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) confirmed at laying hen farm in Sangju, Gyeongbuk
2020.12.02 13:16:43 Defense Policy Bureau
□ The Central Avian Influenza Accident Control Headquarters (Head of Director Hyun-Soo Kim, hereinafter referred to as'Jungsubon') announced that a highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N8 type) was confirmed as a result of a close examination of a laying hen farm in Sangju, Gyeongbuk province reported on December 1.
ㅇ On December 1, as soon as a congratulatory congratulation occurs on the farm, it is implementing emergency quarantine measures such as control of access to the farm and preventive killing of poultry in the farm.ㅇ Gyeongbuk, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Sejong, and Gangwon A temporary suspension order was issued.* Issuance Period: ① Gyeongbuk·Chungnam·Chungbuk·Sejong: December 1 (Tue) 21:00 ~ December 3 (Thu) 21:00 ② Gangwon: December 1 (Tue) 21:00 ~ December 2 ( Wed) 21:00* Subject to issue: Poultry farms, livestock facilities (slaughterhouses, feed factories, etc.), livestock vehicles
□ The heavy water supply is said to implement the following reinforced quarantine measures as highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) is confirmed in the farm. Revealed.
① caused Farm radius of 3km in breeding prophylactic live disposal of poultry② 10km within the poultry farm 30 days movement restrictions on the AI Japan inspection③ local restrictions seven days move on, Kyungpook Changzhou All poultry farms caused
□ The median of this official " Considering the occurrence of poultry farms and the detection of wild birds, it is a very serious situation where there is a risk of virus contamination across the country. Please do it.”
① Construction of the farm access road and surrounding quicklime belt,② Daily cleaning and disinfection of the farm yard,③ Changing boots and hand disinfection when entering the house,④ Daily disinfection inside the house
After roughly 3 years of diminished activity, HPAI H5 has returned with a vengeance - both in Asia and much of Europe - quite apparently on the wings of southbound migratory birds (see flyway map below).
While North America is partially protected from incursions of HPAI from Asia and Europe by two vast oceans, our record breaking avian Epizootic of 2014-2015 - which killed 50 million birds - serves as a reminder that even those obstacles can be overcome.
All of which means that while it is currently Europe and Asia who are battling another avian epizootic, we in North America are far from immune. The USDA has some advice on how to Defend The Flock at the website below.
And for more on how avian flu strains from Asia and Europe might make their way back into North America, you may wish to revisit:
