AVIAN INFLUENZA (25): JAPAN, POULTRY, HPAI, SPREAD
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org
Date: Fri 24 Jan 2025
Source: NHK World Japan [Japan]
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250123_B02/
Bird flu has been spreading rapidly at poultry farms around Japan,
causing concerns with the agriculture ministry and others that it’s a
factor in the sharp rise of egg prices. Nearly 5 million chickens have
been culled in January [2025] at 26 farms in 5 prefectures. Egg prices
have risen by around 15% since the beginning of the year [2025].
Data from the agriculture ministry show the number of chickens culled
has surpassed the total in January 2023, the monthly record. The bird
flu season normally runs from autumn into spring. The fastest spread
was in 2022, with the current season in 2nd place. The agriculture
ministry decided at a meeting on Wednesday [22 Jan 2025] to set up a
taskforce in the northern prefecture of Iwate following the latest
outbreaks at 2 farms.
Agriculture Minister Eto Taku said: “There are no signs the outbreaks
will end. The figures may hit the highest ever, given how the
situation is deteriorating.” Ministry officials say consumers are
likely feeling the impact, and that some people in the industry
attribute the soaring egg prices to a shortfall in supplies.