National Institute of Animal Health, NARO

Epidemiology Group conducts epidemiological research on livestock and wildlife to elucidate the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, assess transmission risks, and evaluate the effectiveness of disease control measures. For highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), we develop an infection risk map by integrating outbreak data from poultry and wild birds with geographic information. We also conduct field studies to identify risk factors associated with transmission risks at poultry farms.
Regarding classical swine fever (CSF), we conduct research into transmission dynamics in wild boar populations, and analyze infection and transmission routes using viral whole-genome data. We also evaluate risk factors at affected farms through epidemiological investigations. Additionally, we conduct simulation modeling studies to evaluate disease spread and the effectiveness of control measures, targeting foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and Johne's disease, and we also evaluate the risk of disease spread through analysis of the nationwide cattle movement data. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, we collect and analyze surveillance data from prefectural governments and distribute these findings widely to professionals in animal health and other relevant stakeholders.