PED has been confirmed as the cause of death of young pigs at a farm in Hita, according to Oita Press.

Suspicions of the disease were aroused on 15 March and by the following morning, an estimated 40 per cent of piglets had died.

The authorities have called for the highest level of biosecurity to stop the spread of the virus, including disinfection of the seats, pedals and footwell of vehicles used by anyone who handles pigs.

It was confirmed that PED poses no danger to human health.

The disease was first seen in Japan last autumn in Miyazaki and Kagoshima.