27.01.2011

Chickens in Aichi Prefecture suspected of being infected with the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza were found at a poultry farm. It may be the fifth outbreak this winter in Japan.

At a poultry farm in Toyohashi, about 450 chickens died in four days through Wednesday. Four chickens there were tested positive for avian influenza in a preliminary examination.

Another outbreak was reported at Izumi in Kagoshima Prefecture. and Prime Minister Naoto Kan instructed Cabinet ministers at a meeting to put forth every effort to contain the outbreak. Japan imports most of its poultry meat from China, and it is an important destination for U.S.-produced eggs and egg products.