PIRSA has declared that there has been two more detections of Japanese encephalitis in local piggeries, bringing the total number of SA cases to nine.
The latest detections are in the Mid Murray and Loxton Waikerie local government areas.
This is in addition to the existing detections in the following local government areas of Light; Clare and Gilbert Valleys; Goyder; Loxton Waikerie; Murray Bridge and Coorong.
The two latest detections of JE on properties in the Mid Murray and Loxton Waikerie LGAs align with a February infection period, when JE was known to be circulating in the SA environment at this time.
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PIRSA urges pig and horse owners to prevent JE by controlling mosquitoes and protecting your animals from mosquito bites, through eliminating breeding areas and responsible chemical use, and "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".
There are no food safety issues associated with eating pork meat or pork products due to this disease.
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.
