There has been one more detection of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in South Australian piggeries since the last update provided by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions on 5 May 2022.
This brings the total number of piggeries with cases of JE in SA to 10.
The latest detection is in the Light local government area (LGA) where JE has previously been detected. This is in addition to existing detections in the following local government areas:
- Clare and Gilbert Valleys
- Goyder
- Loxton Waikerie
- Murray Bridge
- Mid-Murray
- Coorong.
The latest detection of JE on a property in the Light LGA aligns with infection in March, with the infection period for former detections identified as January and February 2022.
PIRSA urges pig and horse owners to prevent Japanese encephalitis by controlling mosquitoes and protecting your animals from mosquito bites.
Reduce the risk:
- Control mosquitoes on your property. Eliminate breeding areas and use chemicals responsibly.
- Prevent mosquitoes biting your pigs and horses. Protect yourself, your staff, and your family.
- Report – if you suspect your animals have JE, call your private veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.
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.
Japanese encephalitis is a notifiable disease – animal owners must report any cases of unexplained pig deaths, especially piglets, or unexplained illness in horses, to their veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
PIRSA and SA Health continue to work together, with local industry, and with interstate counterparts to understand the implications, and to communicate to farmers how they can reduce the risk of human exposure to JE.
For more information:
- Japanese encephalitis in pigs and horses – www.pir.sa.gov.au/je-virus
- Fight the Bite – www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/FightTheBite
- Outbreak information – outbreak.gov.au