Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a meeting of the Headquarters for Countermeasures against Avian Influenza at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on response measures during the meeting, which was convened urgently following the confirmation of the outbreak of avian influenza in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister said, "I have assembled you here today because we are in an emergency situation caused by the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has established a headquarters for countermeasures and is taking prompt action under the leadership of Minister Michihiko Kano to prepare for any situation. I am to receive their report later. Thus far, I have heard that Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Kenko Matsuki and aid teams composed of experts and personnel to assist with slaughtering and other operations arrived in Miyazaki City today.
Prompt and precise initial action is essential in addressing this kind of situation. It is also important that through such action we limit as much as possible the scope of the expansion of the disease.
I want you to observe the development of the situation carefully, make a prompt response, and discuss how this Headquarters can make arrangements to fully prepare for any possible situation."