Staff

SHIRAFUJI Hiroaki

Professor

Theme

Revealing the status of viruses infecting livestock animals and preparing measures to prevent the animals from viral diseases

My Dream

Realization of a livestock industry capable of controlling viral diseases

Belongs

Research Department, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Division of Veterinary Sciences, Section of Applied Veterinary Sciences

Diagnostic Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, Virology Laboratory

Field of research Virology, Infectious diseases
Keyword Infectious diseases of livestock animals, Molecular epidemiology, Genetic testing, Arthropod-borne viruses, Vaccines

Introduction

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.

Affiliated academic society The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science, The Japanese Society of Virology
Academic degree Ph.D.
License Veterinarian
Room address General Research Building IV
Room number 102
Mail address hshirafuji atmark obihiro.ac.jp