Japan reports 1st bird flu outbreak of the season

A poultry farm in Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan, has been hit by highly pathogenic avian influenza, Japan's agriculture ministry said Thursday.



It is the first bird flu outbreak confirmed in the country this season.



Japan's avian influenza season typically runs from autumn through the following spring.



According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Thursday, the affected farm is located in Kameoka City and raises about 200,000 egg-laying hens. Genetic testing confirmed Thursday morning that poultry at the farm had been infected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.



Under relevant disease control measures, all poultry at the farm will be culled to prevent further spread of the virus.