日本禽流感疫情蔓延 涉疫禽类逾150万只

Core Points - A highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak has been confirmed at a poultry farm in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, leading to the emergency culling of approximately 280,000 affected chickens [1] - Since the start of the current avian influenza season, Japan has reported four outbreaks, with a total of over 1.5 million affected birds [1] - The local government has imposed restrictions on poultry and egg transportation within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site to prevent further spread [1] Summary by Category Outbreak Details - The outbreak was confirmed on October 9, following an increase in reported deaths among chickens at the farm [1] - This is the second outbreak reported in Niigata Prefecture during the current avian influenza season, which typically runs from autumn to spring [1] - The first outbreak of the current season was reported on October 22 in Hokkaido, resulting in the culling of about 450,000 chickens [1] Economic Impact - Rising feed prices and reduced production due to summer heat have already driven up egg prices in Japan, which are currently at a high level [1] - The spread of avian influenza has raised concerns about further increases in egg prices [1] - From October 2022 to April 2023, over 17 million birds were culled due to avian influenza, setting a record for the highest number of culled birds in a single outbreak season in Japan [1] - The previous outbreaks led to a shortage of eggs in Japan, causing a situation referred to as "egg scarcity" [1]