Japan Faces Renewed Egg Price Concerns After First Avian Flu Outbreak of Season in Hokkaido

Avian Influenza Confirmed in Hokkaido

Japan has confirmed its first highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak of the season at a poultry farm in the town of Shiraoi, Hokkaido Prefecture. The confirmation, made on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, has immediately triggered concerns over a further surge in egg prices across the nation. Authorities have initiated the culling of approximately 459,000 laying hens at the affected facility to prevent the spread of the virus.

Immediate Response and Containment Efforts

Following the detection of the H5 strain of the bird flu virus, the Hokkaido government swiftly implemented a ban on the transportation of 620,000 hens from four other poultry farms located within a 10-kilometer radius of the outbreak site. The culling operation is expected to be completed by October 30, with disinfection of the henhouses slated for completion by November 2. This initial culling represents nearly 8% of all laying hens in Hokkaido prefecture. The central government has convened a meeting of relevant ministers to ensure coordinated efforts in managing the situation. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara noted that this marks the 'sixth consecutive season of an outbreak,' emphasizing the need for vigilance.

Egg Prices Nearing Record Highs Amid Supply Strain

The latest outbreak exacerbates an already precarious situation for Japan's egg supply and prices. Wholesale prices for midsize eggs in Tokyo stood at 325 yen per kilogram as of October 23, 2025, closely approaching the record high of 350 yen observed in the spring of 2023. Earlier in 2025, by January 31, egg prices had already seen a 10% increase since the year began and were 60% higher than the average for the same period in previous years, reaching 295 yen (US$1.90) per kilo. A major avian flu outbreak from autumn 2022 to spring 2023 led to the culling of approximately 16.54 million laying hens, resulting in a significant 'egg shock' that caused widespread shortages and price hikes.

Government Assurances and Future Outlook

Agriculture Minister Norikazu Suzuki has cautioned that 'further infection cases may happen anywhere in the country,' underscoring the nationwide risk. Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki has urged the administration to reassure the public that chicken meat and eggs already in circulation are safe for consumption. Japan maintains a 'stamping out policy' for avian influenza, which involves culling affected birds and does not utilize prophylactic vaccination. While authorities had previously anticipated outbreaks to subside by May, the current confirmation signals ongoing challenges for the poultry industry and consumers.