Wedoany.com Report-Feb 18, A rare and serious mosquito-borne virus, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), has been detected in two piggeries in Queensland, Australia. The virus, which can spread to humans and cause reproductive issues in pigs and neurological symptoms in horses, was first detected in animals in Queensland since July 2022. The virus does not spread directly between people and cannot be acquired by eating infected meat. However, it is potentially deadly to humans and can cause serious consequences, including death, if a person is bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus.

The first locally acquired human case of JEV since 2022 was detected in Queensland in January, and the virus has also been detected in mosquito populations and feral pig populations in other parts of Australia. Pig keepers have been urged to monitor their animals closely and report any potential cases to their vet. The most common sign of a JEV infection in pigs is unexplained abortions or stillbirths, but pigs that have been exposed to the virus may develop a degree of immunity.

The JEV vaccine is available for free to eligible Queenslanders at over 100 vaccination providers across the state, including GPs, pharmacies, and community immunisation providers. However, there is no animal vaccine registered for use in Australia to protect pigs from the mosquito-borne disease. Australian Pork Limited is working closely with the University of Queensland to develop a vaccine for pigs and is working with the regulator to make it available to farmers as soon as possible.