Japan finds dangerous bird flu at farm, plans to cull 40,000 birds

admin 2024年2月29日

Beginner

Japan News, japan news - beginner

©Reuters

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Have you ever heard about a sickness that can affect birds?
Do you think it’s possible for a sickness in birds to also be a problem for people?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

action /AK-shuhn /

[noun] – the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty
The firefighter took swift action to extinguish the blazing fire.

comment /KOM-ent/

[noun] – something that you say or write that expresses your opinion
The journalist’s critical comment on the political situation sparked a heated debate.

create /kree-EYT/

[verb] – to formulate or establish
The team worked together to create a comprehensive plan for the project, outlining specific goals and timelines.

challenge /CHAL-inj /

[noun] – (the situation of being faced with) something that needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done successfully and therefore tests a person’s ability
Overcoming a difficult obstacle is a significant challenge on the path to success.

discussion /dih-SKUHSH-uhn/

[noun] – the activity in which people talk about something and tell each other their ideas or opinions
The team held a productive discussion to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming project.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

Japan is facing its first case of serious bird flu, known as H5-type, this season. This concerning situation came to light on November 25, 2023, as reported by NHK. The bird flu originated from a farm in the southern part of the country, specifically in Saga prefecture. The authorities are taking action by planning to cull around 40,000 birds from the affected farm to stop the virus from spreading. The Agriculture Ministry officials shared this information, but they were not available for comments after regular business hours. To address this issue, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will have a meeting with cabinet ministers to create effective measures against the virus.

NHK reported that genetic testing on November 24, 2023, identified the virus, showcasing Japan’s rigorous surveillance. Facing the global bird flu challenge, Japan not only culls affected birds but also engages in crucial discussions to prevent further spread. This aligns with international efforts to protect both poultry and public health from the contagious virus.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Japan is facing its second case of bird flu this season.
The bird flu outbreak originated in the northern part of Japan.
The authorities plan to cull approximately 40,000 birds to prevent the virus from spreading.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not be involved in addressing the issue of bird flu.
Genetic testing on November 24, 2023, revealed the presence of the virus, showcasing Japan’s surveillance efforts.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

action

comment

create

challenge

discussion

The company aims to ________ a sustainable business model that prioritizes environmental conservation and social responsibility.
After witnessing a car accident, the bystander took immediate ________ by calling for help and providing first aid until the paramedics arrived.
The book club members gathered to have a lively ________ about the plot twists and character development in the latest novel they read together.
Overcoming the fear of public speaking can be a significant ________ for many individuals, but with practice, it becomes more manageable.
The teacher asked the students to read their classmates’ essays and write a constructive ________ about what they liked and how the essays could be improved.