Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru declared an end Thursday to the outbreak of virulent bird flu that hit the prefecture 50 days ago.
"We were able to mark this day through the aid and cooperation of many people," Higashikokubaru said at a press conference. At midnight Wednesday, the prefecture lifted all restrictions on moving or shipping chickens and eggs.
The governor vowed to "work to revitalize the poultry industry of Miyazaki Prefecture, which boasts Japan's No. 1 production of broilers in terms of value."