Japan confirms 1st bird flu outbreak in 2026

TOKYO, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Japan's agriculture ministry said on Friday that it has confirmed an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza at a poultry farm in Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Japan, marking the country's first case in 2026 and the 13th outbreak this season.

The affected farm is located in the city of Nobeoka, Miyazaki, which raises about 6,000 egg-laying chickens, according to a statement rele