Classical Swine Fever Confirmed in Ehime: Domestic Case 106
Overview
On October 7, 2026, a pig farm in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, confirmed a case of classical swine fever. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries held a meeting of its Classical Swine Fever and African Swine Fever Response Headquarters and decided on its response, including disease control measures, epidemiological investigations, early detection and reporting, farm biosecurity, and vaccination. The ministry also requested cooperation to refrain from reporting at the site and in surrounding areas and to avoid confusion caused by unfounded rumors.
Key points
- Classical swine fever was confirmed at a pig farm in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture.
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries decided on its response, including disease control measures and epidemiological investigations.
- The ministry requested cooperation in strictly refraining from reporting at the site and in surrounding areas.
Overview
On October 6, 2026, Ehime Prefecture received a report of an abnormality and conducted an on-site inspection at a farm in Ozu City. The prefectural inspection raised suspicion of classical swine fever, and a detailed examination by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization's Institute of Animal Health confirmed the case on October 7.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries says the virus may also be present at the site and in surrounding areas, and could spread via people or vehicles.
Impact
Classical swine fever affects pigs and wild boars and does not infect humans.
Reporting at the site could spread the disease or infringe on farmers' privacy, while reporting using helicopters or drones could hinder disease control operations.
Details
The affected farm is in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, and keeps about 4,000 head of livestock.
In accordance with the Specific Domestic Animal Infectious Disease Control Guidelines for classical swine fever and other relevant provisions, the ministry will promptly and appropriately cull the pigs and dispose of carcasses by burial or incineration. It will also dispatch a national epidemiological investigation team to determine the route of infection and other factors.
The ministry will ensure early detection and reporting, and provide accurate information to producers, consumers, distributors, and others in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies. It will provide guidance on complying with farm biosecurity standards, including disinfecting farms and preventing wild animals from entering, and ensure timely and appropriate vaccination of pigs.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Classical Swine Fever and African Swine Fever Response Headquarters held a meeting by circulated materials on October 7, 2026.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is working to provide prompt and accurate information and has asked producers, other stakeholders, and consumers to help avoid confusion caused by unfounded rumors.