Prime Minister Naoto Kan held the Ministerial Meeting for Countermeasures against Avian Influenza at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on responses to a case of avian influenza in Toyohashi City, Aichi Prefecture, and on the steps to be taken to strengthen measures for the prevention of the transmission of the disease.

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister said, "Avian influenza has broken out for a fifth time since last year, this time in four prefectures. I understand that countermeasures have been implemented in an extremely prompt manner since then, including the slaughtering of poultry and other operations.
Together with a team of experts, I want you to firmly address the situation by identifying whether or not there remain any other steps to be taken to prevent the further spread of the disease, and thoroughly carry out whatever needs to be done."