There have been three more detections of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in South Australian piggeries, bringing the total number of cases in SA to four.
The detections are in the local government areas of Loxton Waikerie, Murray Bridge, and Coorong.
South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mary Carr said the message was clear: prevent Japanese encephalitis in pigs and horses by controlling mosquitoes and protecting your animals from mosquito bites.
“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,” Dr Carr said.
“Prevent mosquitoes biting pigs and horses and protect yourself, your staff and your family.”
Chair of Pork SA Andrew Johnson said that industry was working closely with PIRSA and SA Health.
“We welcome the prompt response from the state government on this issue of JE, with information coming to industry even before detections were confirmed in South Australia,” Mr Johnson said.
“There are staff on the ground conducting mosquito and disease surveillance, including further testing and 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.
“Valuable information on mosquito control for piggeries has been developed by the Japanese Encephalitis Vector Management Group, and this can be found on the PIRSA website.”
Japanese encephalitis is a notifiable disease and any suspect cases must be reported. PIRSA urges animal owners to report any cases of unexplained pig deaths, especially piglets, or unexplained horse illnesses, to your vet 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. Visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/FightTheBite for mosquito protection information.
The detections are also a timely reminder for anyone who owns one or more pigs or horses to register for a Property Identification Code (PIC).
“Having a PIC ensures PIRSA can contact you if there is an animal health event such as JE or another livestock disease outbreak, or bushfire or flood,” Dr Carr said.
For more information, visit pir.sa.gov.au/je-virus and outbreak.gov.au
