The H7 type of the bird flu virus has been detected in a quail firm in Toyohashi, central Japan, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. The strain is unlikely to be highly virulent since the birds involved appear healthy, but further testing is underway. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    TOKYO, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- The H7 bird flu has been detected at a quail farm in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture, said the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry Friday.

    It is the first time that bird flu has been detected in Japan since February 2007.

Health officials in protective suits inspect a quail firm in Toyohashi, central Japan, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The ministry said that the virus "may be of attenuated virulence" as the infected birds are still alive.

    The virus was detected during a regular inspection earlier this month in a total of seven quails at the farm, which raises around 300,000 of the birds.

    The farm has been quarantined on Wednesday and the infection route has been under investigation.