On the 26th, Gunma Prefecture reported the first instance of swine fever in Japan for the year at a pig farm located on the southern slope of Akagi Mountain in Maebashi City. The local authorities confirmed that the disease was detected in piglets suffering from diarrhea, prompting immediate action to cull all of the approximately 2,000 pigs present at the farm. This incident marks the 15th confirmed case of swine fever in the region since its first appearance in 2020.

The outbreak began earlier in the month when farm managers noticed unusual symptoms in the piglets, including persistent diarrhea and unexpected deaths of one to two piglets daily. Following the guidance of the managing veterinarian, the farm owner reported the situation to the authorities on the 25th, leading to urgent measures being taken to contain the spread of the disease.

Swine fever poses a significant risk not only to local livestock but can also impact the pork industry and food supply chain, raising concerns about biosecurity measures and the economic implications for farmers. Gunma Prefecture's swift response reflects ongoing efforts to manage animal health in light of previous outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and containment strategies to protect the agricultural sector.