Compiled by Ann Hess
Japan's Classical swine fever outbreak, first reported in September, has spilled over from farms in the Gifu prefecture to five others, including Osaka. An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries confirmed this week some 15,000 pigs at affected farms will be culled and buried.

According to a report from Reuters, pigs in central Japan’s Aichi prefecture first tested positive for CSF. The Aichi farm in question had also shipped pigs to farms in Osaka and three other prefectures. A ministry official confirmed Wednesday those farms have also been infected with the virus.

Around 130 wild boars in Gifu and Aichi prefectures have also tested positive for CSF, despite an initial assumption that it would not spread among the animals.

On Sept. 9, Japan reported the first occurrence of CSF, or hog cholera, in the country after a 26-year absence. One pig had died suddenly, followed by the mortality of 80 others. At that time a task force was implemented, and the remaining 610 pigs were culled to contain the outbreak. No clear origin of infection was identified as feed was commercial, nor were there known foreign labors or visits from countries endemic with CSF working on the farm. 

The World Organization for Animal Health suspended Japan’s status as a CSF-free country after the outbreak in September.