As a result of a detailed genetic analysis by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) = National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) regarding the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that was detected for the first time this season in wild birds in Hokkaido last month, it was found that it was the same type of virus found at poultry farms in Japan after the adult season. The National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) says that it is necessary to be vigilant at poultry farms this season as well.
Last month, highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected for the first time this season in the carcass of a wild crow in Bibai City, Hokkaido.
When NARO analyzed the genes of the virus, the virus was "H5N1 type" and the gene type matched one of the viruses detected from poultry farms in Japan last season.
In addition, no genetic mutations have been found that increase infectivity to non-birds, and the possibility of infecting humans is low.
Last season, there were a series of outbreaks of avian influenza at poultry farms in Japan, and the number of chickens and other animals that were culled reached a record high.
Yuko Uchida, head of the Zoonotic Diseases Research Division of the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, said, "Since a virus with the same gene type was found this season, it may be easier for infection to continue among migratory birds.