AGRICULTURE Victoria has lifted movement restrictions on all Victorian properties where Japanese encephalitis had been detected or suspected.
Effective measures to control Japanese encephalitis will continue, including vaccination of workers and families on pig farms and mosquito control, as required.
Agriculture Victoria said it would continue to work with the Department of Health on surveillance and disease modelling to improve understanding of Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.
Anyone who suspects Japanese encephalitis on their property must call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or contact their local vet.
In February 2022, Japanese encephalitis was detected in piggeries across Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia.
This initiated a national emergency response that involved both animal and public health government agencies.
In Victoria, Japanese encephalitis was confirmed in pigs on 23 properties in Campaspe, Loddon, Gannawarra, Northern Grampians, Wangaratta, Greater Shepparton and Greater Bendigo local government areas.
Agriculture Victoria delivered activities under the national response plan with the Victorian Department of Health.
Significant work has been undertaken to collect epidemiological information on each of these properties, so the extent and impact of the disease can be better understood.
While the risk of Japanese encephalitis has abated with the cooler weather, pig owners are asked to remain vigilant for signs of mosquito activity and the disease.
Victorian pig owners are also reminded to continue to update their Property Identification Codes (PICs).
For more information about the Japanese encephalitis virus and animals, visit Agriculture Victoria’s website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/je.
