Categories: AsiaBusinessJapanNews

330,000 Chickens To Die After Avian Flu Confirmed In Japan

A chicken cull in the western Japanese prefecture of Kagawa will, when complete, leave an estimated 330,000 chickens dead after authorities in the region discovered an outbreak of the avian flu.

It is the first such outbreak in nearly three years in Japan and affects the stricken site in Mitoyo as well as a number of other chicken and egg farms within a three kilometre radius.

Almost 1,000 chickens started dying daily at the point of outbreak with 3,800 deaths recorded this week to date according to reports.

No movements of poultry and / or eggs are permitted from he region as the local authorities rush to confirm whether or not the disease has spread to other farms on Shikioku.

Shikoku, one of Japan’s four main islands, although it is the most sparsely populated, is located just to the south west of the huge population centres of Osaka and Kobe.

In the wider region, there are estimated to be 115 chicken farms with over 4.6 million chickens although at time of typing, no other outbreaks had been reported.

C: Andrea Lightfoot – Unsplash

The cull is expected to take until the middle of November to complete and will be carried out with the assistance of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces local government officials have said.

Speaking to the local media an unnamed man who also runs a chicken farm in the area said “I’m in trouble because I can’t ship eggs unless (my chickens) are confirmed negative in tests.”

Lisa Conklin

Lisa is an Eastender from London in her second year in Taipei where she teaches English, and in her spare time writes poetry. She is a practicing vegan and lover of yoga who lives 'off-grid' as much as possible. She is our weekend editor.

Recent Posts

Sushila Karki becomes Nepal’s first female Prime Minister; to lead Interim Government

Nepal plunged into a new political phase late Thursday after President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the…

3 months ago

Indian-Origin Motel Manager beheaded in Texas after dispute over Washing Machine; Co-Worker Arrested

A 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager was brutally killed in front of his wife and teenage…

3 months ago

US President Trump’s health under scrutiny once again after his appearance at 9/11 ceremony

Fresh questions surrounding the health of U.S. President Donald Trump, 79, have emerged after he…

3 months ago

Israel PM Netanyahu approves controversial Gaza settlement plan

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has officially advanced a contentious settlement…

3 months ago

North Korea says it is committed to protecting China’s interests

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has concluded a significant diplomatic visit to Beijing, reinforcing…

3 months ago

Lisbon announces three days of mourning after deadly Funicular Crash kills 15

The city of Lisbon awoke Thursday to scenes of devastation and grief after the historic…

3 months ago