Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Miyazaki Prefecture, which was facing an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, an infectious disease which affects livestock, and met with Mr. Hideo Higashikokubaru, Governor of Miyazaki Prefecture.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said, "I have heard about the enormous hardship livestock farmers are facing, and by all means wanted to see them at least once, although that opportunity was pushed back very late. While extending my appreciation to the people for all their efforts, I would like the government to take a thorough response."

Afterwards, the Prime Minister observed the local headquarters against the disease established within the Miyazaki Prefectural Office, and gave words of encouragement to the members of the headquarters, saying, "I ask all of you to do your best for the safety and the sense of assurance of the people, notwithstanding the enormity of the task of combating the invisible virus of foot-and-mouth disease."