A seventh South Australian piggery has had Japanese encephalitis detected in the past week.
The latest detection is in the Light local government areas.
This is in addition to existing detections in the following LGAs of Clare and Gilber Valleys, Goyder, Loxton Waikerie, Murray Bridge and Coorong.
PIRSA urges pig and horse owners to take action to limit the risk of livestock becoming infected with Japanese encephalitis by controlling mosquitoes and protecting your animals from mosquito bites.
Reduce the risk:
- Control mosquitoes on your property. Eliminate breeding areas and use chemicals responsibly.
- Prevent mosquitoes biting your pigs and horses. Protect yourself, your staff and your family.
- Report - if you suspect the virus, call your private vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.
There are no food safety issues associated with eating pork meat or pork products due to this disease.
Shoppers are encouraged to support local farmers by continuing to buy Australian pork.Japanese encephalitis is a notifiable disease - animal owners must 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.
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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.
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