Signs of JEV infection in animals
The natural lifecycle of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is between waterbirds and mosquitoes, which can spill over to pigs, horses and humans.
A wide range of other species are susceptible to JE infection, but do not always show signs of disease.
Most species, other than pigs, are dead-end hosts – they cannot pass the virus on via a mosquito bite.
JE in pigs
Signs in pigs
Signs in pigs
Signs of JEV infection in sows include:
- abortion
- stillbirths (at term or delayed)
- mummified piglets
- delayed farrowing
- increased return rates after mating.
Very young piglets may be:
- unable to stand and suck
- born with abnormalities such as deformed limbs, oedema, or reduced/absent brain tissue.
Growing pigs (up to 6 months of age) may show neurological signs.
Boars may experience abnormal sperm and infertility and/or inflammation of the testicles.
If you suspect any of the above signs, immediately contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
What to do if your pigs have JE
What to do if your pigs have JE
Detection of JE in piggeries will not trigger movement restrictions for pigs.
However, sick pigs must not be moved, as per normal requirements under the Australian pork guidelines.
If your pigs test positive to JEV, we recommend:
- you inform the transporter and receiver of the JEV detection on the property
- you record the JEV status of the property on the National Vendor Declaration (NVD)
- if your business supplies boar semen, you inform any properties that received semen during the preceding 21 days.
You may be contacted by SA Health to discuss:
- the detection of JEV on your property
- mosquito trapping and control on/around your property.
JE in horses
Signs in horses
Signs in horses
Many horses infected with the virus do not show signs of illness.
Most cases with symptoms are mild and will recover quickly. However, some horses may develop severe encephalitis that can cause death.
Signs in horses and donkeys may include:
- elevated temperature – greater than 38.5oC
- lethargy
- decreased or no appetite
- neurological issues, such as incoordination, difficulty swallowing, impaired vision, wobbliness or hyperexcitability.
If you suspect any of the above signs, immediately contact the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
There are no movement restrictions on horses affected by JE in South Australia.
Register your animals
If you keep any pigs or horses on your property, you must register for a property identification code.
This ensures PIRSA can contact you if there is a:
- livestock disease outbreak (including JE)
- bushfire
- flood
- other animal emergency.