Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a meeting of the Headquarters for Countermeasures against Avian Influenza at the Diet building.

The members of the Headquarters, which is tasked with making urgent responses to avian influenza, discussed the outbreak of the disease in Yasugi City, Shimane Prefecture.

In his opening address, Prime Minister Kan said, "Yesterday, I received a report on suspected cases of animals infected with avian influenza. Upon receiving the report, I instructed that swift and accurate responses be made, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has in fact been promptly responding to the situation.
It is not yet clear if there will be more cases of avian influenza or not, but by all means we must contain its spread. That is why I decided to convene the meeting of the Headquarters today, asking for the participation of all the Cabinet members.
I will give instructions on specific matters later. This is a matter of domestic crisis management, and as such, I strongly ask that each of you make your utmost efforts to respond to the situation."