Japan confirms avian flu outbreak in Hokkaido poultry farm

Japan's agriculture ministry confirmed an avian influenza outbreak at a poultry farm in Abira, Hokkaido, affecting 1,90,000 chickens. Infected birds will be culled to prevent the spread of the disease. Human infection is rare, but H5N1 can cause severe illness with high mortality. This is Hokkaido's 4th and Japan's 21st case this season.