Japan reports season's first bird flu epidemic
The first verified outbreak of the season in Japan occurred when a highly virulent strain of avian influenza was isolated in hens at a poultry farm in Hokkaido, following the discovery of many dead chicks.
Hokkaido's authorities have begun culling approximately 19,000 chickens at the farm as a preventative measure, which is expected to be completed by Friday.
Movement restrictions were also implemented, banning the transport of chickens and eggs within a 3-kilometer radius of the farm and prohibiting the transport of poultry products outside a 10-kilometer radius.
The Hokkaido government urged strict enforcement of containment measures to prevent further spread and assured the public that poultry products currently in circulation are safe for consumption.
The Japanese government responded to the epidemic by establishing an information liaison office at the Prime Minister's Crisis Management Center and initiating data collection in collaboration with local authorities.
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