African swine fever virus (ASF) has been detected in a contagious
state in Japan for the first time, the government said on April 2.
Discovered in sausages brought into the country from
China in January, it marks the first time that the virus has been confirmed present in an infectious state.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the discovery
of an infectious form of the virus has prompted a decision to
strengthen measures against illegal imports of livestock products.

Japan Times