The foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in southern Japan threatens to decimate Wagyu cows – the breed that produces one of the best and most expensive types of beef in the world. On Monday, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama allocated 100 billion yen (EUR 854 million) to help farmers.
Cattle farmers estimate their losses at 16 billion yen.
The foot-and-mouth disease virus appeared on April 20 in Miyazaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. Its spread threatens with the disappearance of the Miyazaki cows. They belong to the Japanese wagyu species, giving the so-called marbled meat known for its delicate flavor.
Wagyu beef is considered the most expensive in the world. Breeding a breeding bull is time-consuming and laborious, as the animals are rubbed with sake, watered with beer and played with classical music.
Miyazaki prefecture authorities announced that 49 breeding bulls will be slaughtered and the remaining six will be taken to safety.
The Japanese government on Monday set up a group that will be responsible for disinfecting agricultural vehicles in Miyazaki.
This is not only the problem of Miyazaki, but of the entire island of Kyushu. The most important thing is to stop the further development of the disease, said Ban Kugimiya, the mayor of Oita city in Miyazaki prefecture.
After the discovery of the first case of foot-and-mouth disease, Japan announced a suspension of exports of beef, including wagyu beef, pork, and ungulates. Japan exports 35 tons of wagyu beef annually.
The foot-and-mouth disease virus, highly contagious, is easily transmitted between cattle, pigs, goats and sheep. Most often it kills young specimens. Human infections are rare. (PAP)