Tokyo
Japan confirmed its third outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) this season at a poultry farm in Tainai city, Niigata Prefecture, authorities said on Tuesday. The farm, home to 630,000 egg-laying chickens, will cull the entire flock to prevent the virus from spreading further.
Officials reported unusual chicken deaths at the farm on Monday morning. Preliminary tests confirmed the presence of the HPAI virus, and further genetic analysis is underway. This outbreak follows earlier cases in Shiraoi and Eniwa, both in Hokkaido Prefecture, on October 22 and last Sunday, respectively.
HPAI is a highly contagious disease affecting both wild and domestic birds and can sometimes infect humans and mammals such as cats, cattle, foxes, and seals. While human infections are rare, the disease poses serious public health risks for those in close contact with infected birds.
The virus has caused severe economic and social impacts worldwide, including egg shortages and losses for poultry businesses. Containment measures, such as culling and movement restrictions, are essential to prevent further spread, but they also disrupt trade and daily operations. Experts warn that improved control measures are urgently needed to prevent the virus from mutating or spreading internationally, potentially causing a global health threat.