Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Tokyo, May 6: Japan has confirmed a new outbreak of classical swine fever at a farm in Shizuoka Prefecture, marking the fourth such incident in the country this year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The infection was detected at a farm in Fujinomiya, where nearly 3,000 pigs will be culled as part of containment efforts. Authorities were alerted after reports of piglet deaths earlier this week, prompting an inspection and laboratory testing that confirmed the presence of the virus.

Officials said all pigs at the affected facility will be culled, incinerated, and buried to prevent further spread. An epidemiological team will investigate the source of the outbreak, while additional safeguards—including strict disinfection protocols and measures to block entry of wild animals—are being reinforced.

Classical swine fever is a highly contagious illness that affects pigs and wild boars. While it does not pose a risk to human health, its impact on livestock can be severe, leading to major economic losses for farmers.

The virus is known for its resilience, capable of surviving on clothing, equipment, and transport surfaces, as well as in processed pork products like ham and sausages. This durability increases the risk of cross-border transmission if biosecurity practices are not strictly followed.

Globally, pig farming remains a crucial source of income for many households, and outbreaks of such diseases can devastate small-scale farms and disrupt livelihoods. Pork also accounts for a significant share of global meat consumption, making such incidents a concern for food security.

Beyond agriculture, the disease also threatens ecological balance, as it can spread to wild boar populations, impacting biodiversity and native species.