Overview
- Genetic testing confirmed avian influenza after the farm reported unusually high bird deaths on November 3 and a rapid test found 9 of 10 samples positive.
- This is the first poultry case in Niigata this season and Japan’s third after two farm cases in Hokkaido.
- Culling began the morning of November 4 at the large egg-laying operation that houses roughly 630,000 birds.
- Authorities restricted the movement of birds and eggs within 3 kilometers of the site and limited shipments in the 3–10 kilometer zone.
- In a separate development, Hokkaido reported an influenza A positive red-crowned crane recovered October 31 in Tsurui, with tests ongoing to determine pathogenicity.