Japan Reports Two New Swine Fever Outbreaks on Pig Farms

Japan has confirmed two new cases of classical swine fever on commercial pig farms in Ehime and Gunma prefectures, bringing the country’s total domestic cases to 107, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The first outbreak was confirmed on October 7 at a farm in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, which keeps about 4,000 pigs. The second was confirmed on October 10 at a farm in Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture, with around 1,900 pigs. Another farm in the same city, holding about 900 pigs, was also identified as linked to the outbreak.

Authorities plan to cull the pigs on the affected farms and dispose of the carcasses through burial or incineration, in line with national disease control guidelines. Investigation teams are also being deployed to determine how the virus entered the farms.

The ministry has urged pig farmers to maintain strict hygiene measures, including regular disinfection, proper farm management and preventing wild animals from entering their facilities. It also stressed the need for timely and appropriate vaccination.

Classical swine fever affects domestic pigs and wild boar but does not infect humans. The ministry has warned the public and media against visiting the affected farms and surrounding areas, including by helicopter or drone, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.