TOKYO: A suspected case of bird flu infection has occurred in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, the Japanese government said Friday.

If confirmed, it will be the country’s first case of bird flu in poultry this season.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered officials to take measures to prevent the spread of infection, collect information and provide accurate information to the public.

Last year, the first bird flu case was confirmed on Oct. 28. The disease has spread to 26 prefectures across the country, leaving a record 17.71 million birds culled. The supply shortage of chicken eggs also became serious, causing egg prices to soar.

JIJI Press