A case of Japanese encephalitis virus has been confirmed at a piggery in City of Greater Shepparton.
Agriculture Victoria said six cases have now been found in the shires of Loddon, Campaspe, Wangaratta, Gannawarra, greater Shepparton and greater Bendigo.
Detections in Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton and Greater Bendigo were confirmed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness on the weekend.
A Victorian man in his 60s has died from the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), the first recorded death of the rare virus in the state. An autopsy was carried out which revealed that JEV was the cause of death. The man’s identity has not been revealed, due to patient privacy.
Agriculture Victoria said six cases have now been found in the shires of Loddon, Campaspe, Wangaratta, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton and Greater Bendigo.
Detections in Gannawarra, greater Shepparton and greater Bendigo were confirmed by the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness on the weekend.
Agriculture Victoria staff members are continuing surveillance activities and providing information and advice to farmers.
Japanese encephalitis occurs most commonly in pigs and horses and could cause reproductive losses for susceptible animal species.
Humans could be impacted by the disease if bitten by an infected mosquito.
Chief veterinary officer Graeme Cooke urged anyone who owned pigs or horses to take steps to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
“We encourage pig farmers and horse owners to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds near their animals, such as stagnant water, to reduce the chances of them being bitten,”he said.
He also said people should protect themselves from mosquito bites by wearing long, loose fitting clothes outdoors and using effective mosquito repellents containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin and trying to limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are around.
People cannot be infected by eating pig meat. Pork meat or pork products are safe to consume.
Nationally agreed movement restrictions have been applied to infected pig properties to reduce the spread of the disease in pigs.
GV Health gives the following advice:
You can reduce your risk of being bitten and becoming sick by following these steps:
• Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets or insect screens.
• Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.
• If mosquito numbers are high, limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible.
Tip: Citronella candles aren’t effective enough! Mozzie repellents are your best defence against mosquito bites.
