Japanese encephalitis update

25 Mar 2022

Current Situation:

  • 42 infected piggeries have been reported, in QLD (6), NSW (22), Victoria (13) and SA (1).

  • 20 human cases of JE have been confirmed, in QLD (2), NSW (8), SA (3) and VIC (7).

  • Three people have been confirmed to have died of JE, one in Victoria, one in NSW and one in SA.

  • 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.

 

Key measures that will help reduce the mosquito load around piggeries include:

  • Monitoring for mosquitoes at the various stages of their lifecycle. This can help determine the most effective control methods of and help break the breeding cycle.

  • To monitor, inspect bodies of water and containers for wrigglers, as well as areas where adult mosquitoes will rest like ceilings and walls. 

  • There are non-chemical measures that can be used including removing anything in the open that is filled with water or has the potential to hold water.

  • Fill in potholes or other areas around the piggery that collect water.

  • Clear debris from gutters, downpipes, and drains around buildings so that water doesn’t pool, and trim overhanging tree branches.

  • Ensure effluent drainage is free flowing, flushed regularly and does not pool.

  • Tanks, wells or other large water containers should be sealed, or screened with 1mm mesh.

  • Reduce vegetation around the piggery to minimise areas where adult mosquitoes can rest.

  • Ensure all windows and doors are covered by well-maintained mosquito proof screens


If you are opting for chemical control, be aware that:

  • chemical residues in pork are a trade and food quality risk.

  • chemicals must only be used in accordance with the directions on the label.

  • chemicals must be registered for use around pigs and approved for use against mosquitoes. It can only be used in areas that require treatment.

  • treatment should be applied by people authorised to use chemicals in accordance with state or territory training and licensing requirements. 

  • chemical control can be applied to water sources, the outside of sheds and buildings, effluent ponds, staff facilities and pigs.

 

State and Territory Public Health units are co-ordinating and implementing the priority vaccination program, with initial vaccinations underway, and it is expected they will be free. The immediate priority groups for vaccination against JEV are individuals in affected regions with:

  • direct exposure or close proximity to pigs and mosquitoes; and

  • high-level occupational exposures, including veterinarians who work with piggeries.

  • 130,000 vaccines will be made available to the affected states and territories from late March/early April.

 

Insecticide Emergency Use Permit: 
An emergency permit has been granted for use of Vetsense Insecta Repellent Spray to control mosquitoes. 
Details can be found here. 

 

NSW Health JE Vaccine:
NSW Health are in the process of arranging priority JEV vaccine for any vet working with pigs in NSW. While they are immediately prioritising those vets working with knowingly infected properties, this will rapidly expand to all vets working with pigs within 2-3 weeks.

They also wish to identify vets that work across multiple states and territories, as they would offer to vaccinate any relevant person even if they are only temporarily in NSW.  

Note: please email: elaine.robertson@ava.com.au by COB Monday, 28 March should you wish to be vaccinated. A compiled list will then be sent to NSW Health early next week.


Upcoming Webinar 30 March 2022:

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) are hosting a webinar on the recent outbreak of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in pigs in Australia on Tuesday, March 29, at 3:00 pm CDT.

Australian Japanese Encephalitis Virus Outbreak – field experience, epidemiology and potential risks for transboundary movement.

Note: It is at 3pm US central time on 29th which means 7am VIC/NSW time on Wednesday 30th, 6am QLD time, 6.30am SA time, 4am WA time.

This webinar is free to attend.

Please click here for further details and to register in advance. 

Completed webinars are posted online for convenient access here. 

 

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.

 

Latest updates and rescources can be found on the AVA website.