Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

In Japan, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza and classical swine fever have occurred frequently in recent years, and in 2024, lumpy skin disease also occurred in cattle. Additionally, in neighboring Asian countries, African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease continue to spread, posing a significant threat to the livestock industry in Japan. Many people are aware of these acute infectious diseases occurring both domestically and internationally. However, in livestock farms, there are also many diseases that progress chronically or have become endemic.

Controlling not only acute infectious diseases but also chronic and endemic diseases is crucial for protecting livestock health. To reduce such diseases, it is essential to conduct research to clarify the distribution of causative viruses, their characteristics, and the mechanisms by which they cause disease in livestock. Additionally, the development of effective treatments and preventive measures for livestock diseases is necessary. With the goal of improving livestock health, I will engage in these research efforts in collaboration with students and faculty members at our university, local governmental veterinarians, clinical veterinarians, researchers from other universities, and professionals from private companies.