Japan is experiencing a worrying increase in bird flu cases, following official confirmation of an outbreak at a major poultry farm in the northern Iwate region. This marks the 19th occurrence of the highly virulent avian influenza this season, according to the agriculture ministry.

In total, over 1.7 million chickens have been culled across 11 prefectures since the onset of the season, as reported by Japan’s leading news source, Jiji Press.

Recently, another report disclosed that an additional 50,000 chickens were culled to prevent the outbreak from expanding rapidly.

The most recent outbreak was confirmed on a Sunday after the farm reported a sharp increase in bird deaths. Genetic testing identified the virus as the main culprit, prompting immediate containment protocols.

Authorities have enforced movement restrictions on approximately 170,000 birds from two neighboring farms located within a 3-kilometer radius of the affected site.

In addition, a 10-kilometer surveillance zone was established, prohibiting the transport of nearly 3.8 million birds within the area.

Additional reports highlighted that separate farms culled 120,000 and 147,000 birds due to rising infections, as concerns mounted over the flu spreading further.