Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirofumi Hirano has pledged US$1 billion in an attempt to contain the quickly spreading epidemic, which has now affected over 85,000 pigs and cattle, as well as 49 of the country’s 55 Miyazaki bulls.

All of these animals have been killed in an attempt to prevent the further spread of the highly contagious disease, with the government saying that it will work with local communities to create sanitation points for further containment.

The export of all meat products was already halted in April. According to the World Health Organization, foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most transmittable animal diseases, with a high mortality rate especially in young animals.

It has also in a few instances been passed to humans, either through direct animal contact as in livestock raising situations or when the meat is in the mouth.
We join in concern for the health of both animals and humans in Japan.

Our heartfelt prayers that all people see the way to a swift adoption of the wholesome and loving plant-based diet that brings us vitality and spares the lives of our animal co-inhabitants.