Daijiworld Media Network - Tokyo

Tokyo, Mar 6: Japan has confirmed a fresh outbreak of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza at a poultry farm in Hokkaido, marking the northern prefecture’s fourth case and the country’s 21st outbreak during the current season.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the infection was detected at a farm in the town of Abira, which houses around 190,000 chickens.

Authorities said the farm reported the issue to local officials on Wednesday. A rapid test conducted the same day returned a positive result for bird flu, which was later confirmed through genetic testing on Thursday.

To contain the spread of the virus, officials have ordered the culling, incineration and burial of all chickens at the farm.

Japan typically experiences outbreaks of avian influenza during the colder months, with the bird flu season running from autumn until the following spring. Authorities are continuing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent further transmission.