Japanese encephalitis has been detected at three more South Australian (SA) piggeries, bringing the total number of cases in SA to four.
South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mary Carr said that farmers should try to prevent pigs and horses from being infected by controlling mosquitoes and protecting animals from being bitten.
“PIRSA urges all pig and horse owners to reduce the risk by controlling mosquitoes on your property, through eliminating breeding areas and using chemicals responsibly,” she said.
“Prevent mosquitoes biting pigs and horses and protect yourself, your staff and your family.”
This comes after 20 human cases of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) have been laboratory confirmed so far across the states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria, with three deaths, one in SA.
In addition, multiple cases have been detected in piggeries across the same four states.
The virus spreads mostly through mosquito-waterbird or mosquito-waterbird-pig cycles, with herons and egrets being the primary source.
While pigs develop sufficient levels of the virus to infect mosquitos for around four days, horses can be infected, but are known as a ‘dead-end host’, meaning they are not able to reinfect mosquitos.
JEV cannot be spread by eating the meat of an infected animal, and neither can it be spread from human to human.
Pork SA Chair Andrew Johnson said that industry, PIRSA, and SA Health are working together on the issue, adding that staff are currently on the ground carrying out mosquito and disease surveillance, while also providing information and advice to farmers.
“There are no food safety issues associated with eating pork meat or pork products due to this disease. Shoppers are encouraged to support local farmers by continuing to buy Australian pork,” he said.
PIRSA has urged animal owners to report any unexplained pig deaths, particularly piglets, as well as unexplained horse illnesses, to their vet.
