Wild Boar in Fukuoka Prefecture Confirmed with African Swine Fever
Tokyo, Japan – August 19, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced today the confirmation of African Swine Fever (ASF) in a wild boar population in Fukuoka Prefecture. The detected case marks the first instance of the disease in this region, raising concerns for the nation’s swine industry.
The announcement, made at 11:00 AM JST, detailed the findings of diagnostic tests conducted on a wild boar that was discovered deceased in the prefecture. While the specific location within Fukuoka Prefecture has not been publicly disclosed at this time, MAFF has assured that immediate containment measures are being implemented.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. It is characterized by high mortality rates and can cause significant economic losses to the pork industry. While ASF does not pose a threat to human health, its rapid spread among swine populations necessitates stringent biosecurity protocols.
In response to this confirmation, MAFF has stated that it is working in close collaboration with the Fukuoka Prefectural Government and relevant local authorities. The immediate priority is to prevent the further spread of the virus. This includes enhanced surveillance of wild boar populations, implementation of strict biosecurity measures at all pig farms within the affected and surrounding areas, and rigorous movement controls for pigs and related products.
Farmers are being urged to heighten their vigilance and immediately report any suspected cases of illness or unusual deaths among their swine herds to local veterinary offices. Public awareness campaigns are also expected to be rolled out to educate the public on the importance of preventing the introduction and spread of ASF, including advice on proper disposal of food waste that could potentially attract wild boars.
The Ministry has emphasized its commitment to providing all necessary support to the affected region and to protecting Japan’s valuable swine industry from the devastating impacts of this disease. Further updates and information will be disseminated as the situation develops and more comprehensive control measures are put into place.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
農林水産省 published ‘福岡県における野生イノシシの豚熱感染事例について’ at 2025-08-19 11:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.