Japanese encephalitis virus has been detected in a Goulburn Valley pig herd.

No quarantine or movement restrictions will be put in place because JE virus is considered established in mainland Australia.

Japanese encephalitis viral fragments were detected in tissue samples collected from a litter of mummified and stillborn piglets. This is the first detection of JE virus in Victorian livestock over the 2024-25 summer.

Agriculture Victoria’s deputy chief veterinary officer Sally Salmon stressed that the detection, which is the first in a pig since April 2022, is not unexpected.

“We are actively monitoring the situation and continue to investigate and test pigs and other livestock that exhibit clinical signs consistent with JE virus infection,” she said.

“You can help your pigs avoid infection by reducing nearby mosquito habitats and limiting their exposure to mosquitoes.”

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses and encephalitis in susceptible animal species. It is caused by the JE virus which is a member of the Flavivirus genus.

JE is spread by mosquitoes in a complex cycle that can involve birds, pigs and spillover hosts like horses, humans and various other animals.

This transmission cycle means it is not possible to eradicate JE in Victoria.

The Department of Health confirmed a human case of JE near Cobram in January. There is no specific treatment available for Japanese encephalitis.

The best prevention is to protect against mosquito bites. There are simple steps you can take to protect against mosquito bites that include:

The JE virus vaccine is available free of charge for specific groups at higher risk of exposure to the virus, including eligible people in high-risk local government areas in northern Victoria, and for those at occupational risk across Victoria.

This includes people who attend piggeries and abattoirs and eligible people in high-risk local government areas in Victoria, including Greater Shepparton, Benalla, Campaspe, Moira and Strathbogie.

JE remains a notifiable disease in Victoria. If you suspect an animal is showing signs of Japanese encephalitis, you must report it within 12 hours either to your local veterinarian, via the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, via the Notify Now app or to Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.

For more information on the current situation, visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/important-animal-diseases/japanese-encephalitis

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Saturday, 14th December 2024

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