Calling for Entries: Livestock Health Poster Design Contest 2023

Livestock Health Poster Design Contest 2023

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has officially launched the application period for the 2023 Livestock Health Poster Design Contest. This annual contest aims to foster understanding about livestock diseases and their prevention measures among the public. This year, the theme is "Actions to Prevent the Spread of Swine Fever," and submissions are welcomed from July 16 (Wednesday) to September 30 (Tuesday).

1. Purpose of the Contest

Currently, the global spread of infectious diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and swine fever poses severe risks to livestock, including in Japan. These diseases can lead to significant harm to the livestock industry, jeopardizing the steady supply of food products like meat and eggs. Farmers and industry stakeholders are continually implementing measures to prevent diseases from entering their farms. However, pathogens can be transmitted through clothing, shoes, and food, or via wild animals like birds and boars. Consequently, preventing the spread of livestock diseases is a collective responsibility that involves everyone residing in or visiting Japan.

This contest serves as a platform to enhance public awareness and understanding regarding livestock diseases and prevention strategies.

For more details, visit the official website: MAFF Special Site

2. Theme

The contest theme is "Actions to Prevent the Spread of Swine Fever."

We are seeking poster designs that inspire individuals to take action in protecting the delicious Japanese pork production by raising awareness of swine fever. Swine fever, a disease affecting pigs and wild boars, is highly contagious and has a high mortality rate. When an outbreak occurs on a pig farm, the animals may need to be culled to prevent the disease from spreading to other farms. Since the confirmation of cases in domesticated pigs and wild boars in September 2018, infection remains a concern within Japan.

Farmers work diligently to keep their farms free from the virus; however, it is equally essential to manage the population of wild boars that carry the disease. Efforts to prevent the spread of swine fever among wild boars require collaborative action from local residents and hikers in affected regions. For more information, check the following link: Wild Boar Management

3. Submission Guidelines

Designs can include illustrations, CG graphics, or photos in flat formats and should adhere to A3 size or the 1/8 size vertical format.

4. Awards

- Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award: 1 entry
- Director of Consumer Safety Bureau Award: 1 entry
- Honorable Mentions: several entries

Special Awards

- President of the Central Livestock Association Award: 1 entry
- President of the Japan National Federation of Hunter Associations Award: 1 entry
- President of the Japan Veterinary Medical Association Award: 1 entry
- President of the Japan Pig Farmers Association Award: 1 entry
- Director of Animal Quarantine Station Award: 1 entry

The results of the contest will be announced on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' website. Award recipients will also have the opportunity to attend an award ceremony for the Minister's Award, the Director's Award, and the Special Awards.

Winners will have their names (real name or pen name) and, if applicable, their educational grade (for students) publicly announced. General participants may also have their occupation disclosed if desired.

5. Selection Committee

- Kiyokazu Ishikawa (Director, Animal Quarantine Station, MAFF)
- Kaori Uetake (Representative, Policy Nudge Design LLC)
- Masaru Katsuta (Director, Animal Health Research Division, NARO)
- Akiko Komorita (Designer, Public Relations and Evaluation Division, MAFF)
- Tomoyuki Tsuda (Chairperson, Livestock Health Committee, Cattle & Swine Diseases Subcommittee)
- Shigeki Hirata (Senior Researcher, Livestock Research Division, NARO)

Names listed in no particular order.

6. Application Period

Submissions are open from July 16, 2023 (Wednesday) to September 30, 2023 (Tuesday). Entries must be postmarked by the closing date.

7. How to Apply

Complete the application form and submit your entry by post or email to the address provided below.

For Mailing:
100-8950 Tokyo, Chiyoda Ward, Kasumigaseki 1-2-1
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
Consumer Safety Bureau, Animal Health Division
Livestock Health Poster Design Contest Office

For Email:
Send to eisei_poster★maff.go.jp (replace ★ with @).

8. Additional Materials

- Implementation Guidelines for the 2023 Livestock Health Poster Design Contest (PDF: 216KB)
- Call for Posters! (PDF: 844KB)
- Press Release Information (PDF: 900KB)