Japan: Avian flu in poultry 2024-2026

[Commonground]

Japan confirms fifth bird flu outbreak of season

Nov 22, 2025

MIYAZAKI PREF. –

The Miyazaki prefectural government said Saturday that an outbreak of bird flu has been confirmed at a poultry farm in the city of Hyuga.
About 48,000 chickens at the farm will be culled.
This marked the fifth confirmed case of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in the country this season, and the first in the prefecture.

...https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/20...-flu-outbreak/

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[sharon sanders]

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in livestock in Tottori Prefecture (sixth case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

December 2, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture (the sixth case in Japan this season).
In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will hold a rotating meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.
The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry and other animals since the farmer notified them.
We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy. 1. Overview of the farm

Location: Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
Raising situation: Approximately 75,000 chickens (broiler chickens)

2. Background

(1) On Monday, December 1, 2025, Tottori Prefecture received a report from a farm in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were positive.
(3) On Tuesday, December 2, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/251201.html

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Press release

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in Okayama Prefecture (8th case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

December 20, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture (the eighth case in Japan this season).

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.

The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry and other animals since the farmer notified them.

We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy.

1. Overview of the farm

Location: Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture
Farming situation: Approximately 430,000 chickens (layers)

2. Background

(1) On Friday, December 19, 2025, Okayama Prefecture received a report from a farm in Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were positive.
(3) On Saturday, December 20, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
...

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/251220.html

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[Commonground]

Japan confirms avian influenza outbreak in Kyoto
2025-12-24

TOKYO, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan's agriculture ministry said on Wednesday that genetic testing has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a farm in Kyoto Prefecture, marking the ninth bird flu outbreak in the country this season.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the outbreak occurred at a poultry farm in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, which raises approximately 280,000 egg-laying chickens.

Local authorities received a report on Tuesday and conducted a rapid avian influenza test on the farm's chickens the same day, with the results coming back positive. Genetic testing carried out on Wednesday confirmed infection with the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

-snip-
Japan's avian influenza season typically runs from autumn until the following spring. The previous eight outbreaks this season have already led to the culling of nearly 2.4 million chickens. The country's first case was confirmed in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido on Oct. 22.

https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20251224/72b24cd41dbb4e009a4bf0e59c8d00cc/c.html

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Press release

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in livestock in Kyoto Prefecture (9th case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

December 24, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture (the ninth case in Japan this season).

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.

The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry and other animals since the farmer notified them.

We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy. 1.

Overview of the farm

Location: Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture
Farming situation: Approximately 280,000 chickens (layers)

2. Background

(1) On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Kyoto Prefecture received a report from a farm in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were positive.
(3) On Wednesday, December 24, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

3. Future response policy

Based on the Prime Minister's instructions and the "Guidelines for the Prevention of Specified Livestock Infectious Diseases Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza," the following measures will be implemented:

1. Implement necessary quarantine measures promptly and appropriately, such as culling and incinerating the poultry at the farm, establishing a movement restriction zone within a 3km radius of the farm, and establishing an export restriction zone within a 3km to 10km radius.
2. Strengthen disinfection efforts around the affected farm and set up disinfection points on major roads to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Work closely with Kyoto Prefecture through meetings between government officials and Kyoto Prefecture officials.
4. Convene the Poultry Disease Subcommittee of the Livestock Hygiene Division of the Food, Agriculture, and Rural Policy Council as necessary to obtain technical advice necessary for quarantine measures.
5. Dispatch experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to the site as necessary to accurately grasp the infection situation and routes of infection and to consider appropriate quarantine policies.
6. To support Kyoto Prefecture's quarantine measures, such as culling and incineration, we will encourage the use of private businesses and, as necessary, dispatch "emergency support teams" from local animal quarantine stations, livestock improvement centers, etc.
7. Dispatch "epidemiological investigation teams."
8. We will once again issue a warning to all prefectures, instructing them to detect and report the disease early and to thoroughly manage animal husbandry hygiene.
9. We will work closely with relevant government ministries and agencies to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc.

4. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

Date and time: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 (held in rotation)

5.Other

(1) Under the current circumstances in Japan, we believe there is no possibility of humans becoming infected with the avian influenza virus through eating chicken meat, eggs, etc. https://www.fsc.go.jp/sonota/tori/tori_infl_ah7n9.html (External link)
(2) We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from on-site reporting, as this may lead to the spread of the disease and violate the privacy of farmers.
In particular, we ask that you strictly refrain from using helicopters or drones to report on the situation, as this may interfere with quarantine efforts.
(3) We will continue to strive to provide prompt and accurate information, so we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that producers, other stakeholders, and consumers do not become confused by unfounded rumors.
...

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/251224.html

[Shiloh]

Source: https://en.yenisafak.com/world/bird-...0-hens-3712321

Bird flu outbreak in Ibaraki prompts culling of nearly 970,000 hens
06:40, 25/12/2025, Thursday

A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Ibaraki Prefecture, marking the first case of the season in eastern Japan. The infection, detected in Shirosato, will result in the culling of approximately 970,000 egg-laying hens—the largest single culling operation in Japan this season.
Impact on Poultry and Egg Supply

This is the 10th bird flu case at a poultry farm in Japan this season, bringing the total number of chickens slated for culling to around 3.65 million. The outbreak renews concerns over egg supply stability, following a record 84 cases across 26 prefectures in the 2022–2023 season, during which about 17.71 million birds were culled and egg prices surged sharply...

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Press release

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in Hokkaido (11th case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

December 29, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Yuni Town, Hokkaido (the 11th case in Japan this season).

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.

The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry since the farmer notified them.

We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy. 1.

Overview of the farm

Location: Yunicho, Hokkaido
Farming situation: Approximately 6,000 chickens (layers)

2. Background

(1) On Sunday, December 28, 2025, Hokkaido received a report from a farm in Yuni Town and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were positive.
(3) On Monday, December 29, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

3. Future response policy

Based on the Prime Minister's instructions and the "Guidelines for the Prevention of Specified Livestock Infectious Diseases Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza," the following measures will be implemented:

1. Implement necessary quarantine measures promptly and appropriately, such as culling and incinerating poultry at the farm, establishing a movement restriction zone within a 3km radius of the farm, and establishing an export restriction zone within a 3km to 10km radius.
2. Promptly conduct inspections to confirm the outbreak status at farms within the movement restriction zone.
3. Strengthen disinfection measures around the affected farm and set up disinfection points on major roads to prevent the spread of infection.
4. Work closely with Hokkaido.
5. If necessary, convene the Poultry Disease Subcommittee of the Livestock Hygiene Division of the Food, Agriculture, and Rural Policy Council to obtain technical advice necessary for quarantine measures.
6. If necessary, dispatch experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other organizations to the site to accurately grasp the infection status and routes, and to consider appropriate quarantine policies.
7. In order to support Hokkaido's quarantine measures such as culling and incineration, we will encourage the use of private businesses and, as necessary, dispatch "emergency support teams" from local animal quarantine stations, livestock improvement centers, etc.
8. Dispatch "epidemiological investigation teams."
9. We will once again issue a warning to all prefectures, instructing them to detect and report the disease early and to thoroughly manage animal husbandry hygiene.
10. We will work closely with relevant government ministries and agencies to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc.

4. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

Date and time: Monday, December 29, 2025 (held in rotation)

5.Other

(1) Under the current circumstances in Japan, we believe there is no possibility of humans becoming infected with the avian influenza virus through eating chicken meat, eggs, etc. https://www.fsc.go.jp/sonota/tori/tori_infl_ah7n9.html (External link)
(2) We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from on-site reporting, as this may lead to the spread of the disease and violate the privacy of farmers.
In particular, we ask that you strictly refrain from using helicopters or drones to report on the situation, as this may interfere with quarantine efforts.
(3) We will continue to strive to provide prompt and accurate information, so we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that producers, other stakeholders, and consumers do not become confused by unfounded rumors.

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/251229.html

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.dtnext.in/amp/story/news...ter-tokyo-area

Japan confirms season's 1st bird flu outbreak in greater Tokyo area
The greater Tokyo area comprises Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures of Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa.
IANS
Published:30th Dec, 2025 at 1:37 PM

TOKYO: Japan's agriculture ministry said on Tuesday that it has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in Saitama Prefecture, marking the country's 12th outbreak this season and the first case in the greater Tokyo area.

The affected farm is located in Ranzan Town, Saitama, north of Tokyo, which raises about 240,000 egg-laying chickens, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The greater Tokyo area comprises Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures of Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa...

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Translation Google
Press release

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in Saitama Prefecture (12th case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

December 30, 2025
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Ranzan Town, Saitama Prefecture (the 12th case in Japan this season).

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian
Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.
The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry since the farmer notified them.
We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy. 1.

Overview of the farm

Location: Ranzan Town, Saitama Prefecture
Raising situation: Approximately 240,000 chickens (layers)

2. Background

(1) On Monday, December 29, 2025, Saitama Prefecture received a report from a farm in Ranzan Town and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were found to be positive.
(3) On Tuesday, December 30, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

3. Future response policy

Based on the Prime Minister's instructions and the "Guidelines for the Prevention of Specified Livestock Infectious Diseases Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza," the following measures will be implemented:

1. Implement necessary quarantine measures promptly and appropriately, such as culling and incinerating the poultry at the farm, establishing a movement restriction zone within a 3km radius of the farm, and establishing an export restriction zone within a 3km to 10km radius.
2. Strengthen disinfection efforts around the affected farm and set up disinfection points on major roads to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Work closely with Saitama Prefecture through meetings between government officials and Saitama Prefecture officials.
4. Convene the Poultry Disease Subcommittee of the Livestock Hygiene Division of the Food, Agriculture, and Rural Policy Council as necessary to obtain technical advice necessary for quarantine measures.
5. Dispatch experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to the site as necessary to accurately grasp the infection situation and routes of infection and to consider appropriate quarantine policies.
6. In order to support Saitama Prefecture's quarantine measures, such as culling and incineration, we will encourage the use of private businesses and, as necessary, dispatch "emergency support teams" from local animal quarantine stations, livestock improvement centers, etc.
7. Dispatch "epidemiological investigation teams."
8. We will once again issue a warning to all prefectures, instructing them to detect and report the disease early and to thoroughly manage animal husbandry hygiene.
9. We will work closely with relevant government ministries and agencies to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc.

4. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

Date and time: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 (held in rotation)

5.Other

(1) Under the current circumstances in Japan, we believe there is no possibility of humans becoming infected with the avian influenza virus through eating chicken meat, eggs, etc. https://www.fsc.go.jp/sonota/tori/tori_infl_ah7n9.html (External link)
(2) We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from on-site reporting, as this may lead to the spread of the disease and violate the privacy of farmers.
In particular, we ask that you strictly refrain from using helicopters or drones to report on the situation, as this may interfere with quarantine efforts.
(3) We will continue to strive to provide prompt and accurate information, so we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that producers, other stakeholders, and consumers do not become confused by unfounded rumors.

...

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/251230.html

[Commonground]

Japan confirms 1st bird flu outbreak in 2026
2026-01-02

TOKYO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Japan's agriculture ministry said on Friday that it has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Japan, marking the country's first case in 2026 and the 13th outbreak this season.

The affected farm is located in the city of Nobeoka, Miyazaki, which raises about 6,000 egg-laying chickens, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

continued: https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/...ad390ca/c.html

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Press release

Confirmation of suspected highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture (13th case in Japan) and the holding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

January 2, 2026
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

Today, a suspected case of highly pathogenic avian influenza, a livestock infectious disease, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture (the 13th case in Japan this season).

In response to this, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will convene a meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters to confirm future response policies.

The farm in question has refrained from moving poultry and other animals since the farmer notified them.

We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting on-site, as this could lead to the spread of the disease and violate the farmer's privacy.

1. Overview of the farm

Location: Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture
Raising situation: Approximately 6,000 chickens (meat breeding chickens)

2. Background

(1) On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Miyazaki Prefecture received a report from a farm in Nobeoka City and conducted an on-site inspection of the farm.
(2) On the same day, a simple test for avian influenza was conducted on the poultry in question, and the results were positive.
(3) On Friday, January 2, genetic testing was conducted on the poultry at the farm, and the results confirmed that the poultry were suspected cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

3. Future response policy

Based on the Prime Minister's instructions and the "Guidelines for the Prevention of Specified Livestock Infectious Diseases Concerning Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and Low Pathogenic Avian Influenza," the following measures will be implemented:

1. Implement necessary quarantine measures promptly and appropriately, such as culling and incinerating the poultry at the farm, establishing a movement restriction zone within a 3km radius of the farm, and establishing an export restriction zone within a 3km to 10km radius.
2. Strengthen disinfection efforts around the affected farm and set up disinfection points on major roads to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Work closely with Miyazaki Prefecture.
4. If necessary, convene the Poultry Disease Subcommittee of the Livestock Hygiene Division of the Food, Agriculture, and Rural Policy Council to obtain technical advice necessary for quarantine measures.
5. If necessary, dispatch experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and other organizations to the site to accurately grasp the infection situation and routes, and to consider appropriate quarantine policies.
6. In order to support Miyazaki Prefecture's quarantine measures, such as culling and incineration, we will encourage the use of private businesses and, as necessary, dispatch "emergency support teams" from local animal quarantine stations, livestock improvement centers, etc.
7. Dispatch "epidemiological investigation teams."
8. We will once again issue a warning to all prefectures, instructing them to detect and report the disease early and to thoroughly manage animal husbandry hygiene.
9. We will work closely with relevant government ministries and agencies to provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, etc.

4. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Avian Influenza Prevention Headquarters

Date and time: Friday, January 2, 2026 (held in rotation)

5.Other

(1) Under the current circumstances in Japan, we believe there is no possibility of humans becoming infected with the avian influenza virus through eating chicken meat, eggs, etc. https://www.fsc.go.jp/sonota/tori/tori_infl_ah7n9.html (External link)
(2) We ask for your cooperation in strictly refraining from on-site reporting, as this may lead to the spread of the disease and violate the privacy of farmers.
In particular, we ask that you strictly refrain from using helicopters or drones to report on the situation, as this may interfere with quarantine efforts.
(3) We will continue to strive to provide prompt and accurate information, so we ask for your cooperation in ensuring that producers, other stakeholders, and consumers do not become confused by unfounded rumors.
...

https://www.maff.go.jp/j/press/syouan/douei/260102.html