Japan detects season's second bird flu outbreak, orders culling of 40,000 chickens

Highly pathogenic avian influenza at poultry farm prompts disinfection checkpoints, inspections at nearby farms

Japan on Friday confirmed its second highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak of the season at a poultry farm housing approximately 40,000 chickens in Chiba Prefecture, authorities said.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said genetic testing confirmed the infection at a farm in Asahi City at 8am local time (2300GMT Thursday).

The outbreak was detected after the farmer reported unusual symptoms among the birds on Thursday, prompting an inspection and rapid testing that returned positive results.

Authorities will cull approximately 40,000 laying hens and dispose of their remains through incineration or burial to prevent further transmission.

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The ministry said a movement restriction zone would be established within a 3-kilometre (1.9-mile) radius of the affected farm, while shipping restrictions would cover an area extending up to 10 kilometres (6.2 miles).

Disinfection checkpoints will be established along major roads, and nearby poultry farms will undergo inspections. An epidemiological investigation team will also be dispatched to determine the source of the infection and possible transmission routes.

The ministry said it would convene its avian influenza control headquarters to coordinate containment measures. Authorities have urged all prefectures to strengthen surveillance and promptly report suspected infections.

The ministry said that consuming chicken meat or eggs does not pose an avian influenza infection risk under current conditions in Japan.