The National Feral Pig Action Plan
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) confirmed in Australia
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has recently been confirmed in domestic pigs and humans in eastern Australia. JEV is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses and encephalitis in susceptible species. It is a nationally notifiable disease in both humans and animals and has been declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance by the Australian Government Department of Health.
As of 16 May 2022, 28 human cases have been confirmed in Australia (Queensland (2), NSW (12), South Australia (4) and Victoria (10)). There have also been 4 confirmed deaths (Victoria, SA, QLD and NSW).
JEV has been detected in 35 feral pigs in this outbreak in the NT. It is important to note that both feral and domestic pigs can amplify the virus which can then be transmitted by infected mosquitos to humans from pigs.