No matter where you are in South Australia, be alert to mosquitoes and mosquito bites, is the message from the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and SA Health.
With Japanese encephalitis (JE) now detected in several commercial piggeries in the state, and many more across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, controlling mosquitoes on your property is key to preventing this mosquito-borne disease.
South Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mary Carr, explains that the main lifecycle for JE is between waterbirds and mosquitoes, on occasion spilling over to pigs, horses, and humans.
“Infection in other animals is rare, but South Australia has now also detected an alpaca with JE,” Dr Carr said.
“The way to manage JE is to control mosquitoes by eliminating areas on your property where they can breed, using any chemical treatments responsibly, and by preventing mosquito bites to yourself and your animals. Check the PIRSA website for information on mosquito management for your animals.”
Humans can also be infected, with SA Health saying there have now been three confirmed and five probable cases of JE notified in SA, including one death.
The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Executive Director of Health Protection and Licensing Services, Dr Chris Lease, said that is crucial everyone continues to take extra precautions against mosquitoes and continue to ‘fight the bite’.
“If you are outside, apply an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and try to stop mosquitoes coming indoors,” Dr Lease said.
“Cover up with long, loose fitting and light-coloured clothing. Mosquitoes can bite through tight clothing such as jeans or leggings.”
PIRSA and SA Health both have valuable information on their websites – visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/je-virus and www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/FightTheBite
Key messages for your use
- The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is urging pig and horse owners to be alert for signs of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in their animals.
- Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne disease that causes reproductive losses (stillborn piglets) and can also cause encephalitis in horses. Infection in other animals is rare. People can also be infected.
- Mosquito bites spread the virus – mosquitoes become infected with the virus after feeding off an infected animal. Once infected, mosquitoes can spread the virus over long distances.
- It’s up to you to reduce the risk:
- Controlmosquitoes on your property. Eliminate breeding areas and use chemicals responsibly.
- Preventmosquitoes biting your pigs and horses. Protect yourself, your staff and your family.
- Reportif you suspect the virus in your animals – call your vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 (PIRSA will cover the testing cost for Japanese encephalitis).
- There are no food safety issues associated with eating pork meat or pork products due to this disease. Support local farmers and continue to buy Australian pork.
- For more information visit pir.sa.gov.au/je-virusand www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/FightTheBite
Useful websites
- PIRSA – Japanese encephalitis – sa.gov.au/je-virus
- Farm Biosecurity – Controlling mosquitoes around piggeriesand for beekeepers
- Australian Government – Current response to Japanese encephalitis