Three more South Australian piggeries have had Japanese encephalitis detected, bringing the number across the state to four.
The cases are in the local government areas of Loxton Waikerie, Murray Bridge and Coorong.
SA chief veterinary officer Mary Carr said this reinstated the importance of controlling mosquitoes and protecting 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," she said.
"Prevent mosquitoes biting pigs and horses and protect yourself, your staff and your family.
Pork SA chair 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 SA," he said.
"There are staff on the ground conducting mosquito and disease surveillance, including further testing and providing information and advice to farmers."
Mr Johnson said these outbreaks did not mean there were any food safety issues associated with eating pork meat or pork products.
"Shoppers are encouraged to support local farmers by continuing to buy Australian pork," he said.
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.
RELATED READING:
PIRSA urges animal owners to report any cases of unexplained pig deaths, especially piglets, or unexplained horse illnesses, to their vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
There is also information on mosquito control in piggeries, developed by the JE Vector Management Group, available on the PIRSA website.
The detections are also a timely reminder for anyone who owns one or more pig or horse to register for a Property Identification Code.
"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.
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.
So far eight cases have been confirmed in people in SA, including one fatality.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/je-virus and outbreak.gov.au
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture. Sign up here to receive our daily Stock Journal newsletter.
