Japanese encephalitis update - week ending 22 April 2022
22 Apr 2022
Information from the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment about Japanese encephalitis in Australia updated 14th April 2022.
Current Situation:
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73 infected piggeries have been reported, in QLD (14), NSW (30), Victoria (22) and SA (7).
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There have been Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) detections in a small number of feral pigs in the West Daly region in the Northern Territory.
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South Australia recently reported a rare case of Japanese encephalitis in one alpaca.
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23 human cases of JE have been confirmed, in QLD (2), NSW (10), SA (3) and VIC (8).
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Three people have been confirmed to have died of JE: one in Victoria, one in NSW and one in SA.
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In NSW mosquito surveillance has identified a few locations with higher numbers of mosquitoes. More intensive communication about mosquitoes and JE is being provided in these areas.
Vaccination Program:
State and Territory Public Health units are co-ordinating and implementing the priority vaccination program, with initial vaccinations underway. It is expected they will be free.
Note: We now have direct contacts to the health units in every state so please email: elaine.robertson@ava.com.au if you are yet to be contacted regarding vaccination and we can send your details directly onto our contacts in your state.
Reporting:
Japanese encephalitis virus is a nationally notifiable disease which means if you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. You can do this by calling the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. This will put you in touch with your state or territory’s agriculture department.
State based web resources:
More information from DAWE on Japanese encephalitis can be found here.
Latest updates and resources can be found on the AVA website.