Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine

私は、農林水産省が所管する研究機関（農業・食品産業技術総合研究機構）に約20年間勤務してきました。そのうち約13年間を鹿児島で過ごし、牛に異常産や熱性疾患を起こす各種節足動物媒介性ウイルス（アルボウイルス）の研究として、野外材料からのウイルス分離、ウイルスの遺伝学的性状や血清学的性状の解析、診断法の開発などに取り組んできました。その研究の中で、教科書には載っていない新種のウイルスや、何十年も前に遠く離れた外国で見つかったものと同じ種類のウイルスに遭遇することがありました。そのようなウイルスは変異を繰り返しながら循環し、家畜に感染して、時に病気を起こします。そのようなウイルスの特徴や宿主動物への感染実態を理解して、疾病の制御につなげる研究は、難しくもありますが大変やりがいのある仕事です。ぜひ、一緒にウイルスの研究をしましょう！

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.