The Aichi Prefectural Government announced Monday, Feb. 17, that a suspected case of porcine epidemic diarrhea at a farm in Yatomi, Aichi, was officially confirmed as the first case of PED in the Chubu region. There are no other suspected cases reported in the prefecture, according to the prefectural government. The case in Yatomi was first discovered in Monday, Feb. 10, and the prefectural government’s genetic testing conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 12, showed a positive reaction. Fattening hogs at the farm are showing recovery, but 10 suckling piglets were reported dead. The farm is continuing to take disease control measures including disinfecting. PED has very high mortality in piglets … Continue reading →

  The government revised regulations for foreign students at culinary schools to allow them stay in Japan for two years after graduation if they take up apprenticeships at Japanese-style restaurants, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced Friday, Feb. 15.   Agriculture minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said the same day that he hopes the revision will help nurture people who contribute to promoting Japanese food and food culture overseas, leading to an increase in exports of Japanese agricultural products and food items. Foreign students who study at culinary schools in Japan had to leave the country after graduation, but the revision enables them to stay longer if each student’s school … Continue reading →