Prevention is vital

HORSE and pig ownersare urgedto protect their animals from mosquito-borne illnesses this summer after recent heavy rain and flooding.

Victoria’s chiefveterinaryofficer,Dr Graeme Cooke, saidbite prevention and mosquitocontrol arethe keytokeeping animals free from mosquito-borne diseases including Japanese Encephalitis (JE), Ross River Fever,Murray Valley Encephalitis and West Nile Virus (Kunjin strain).

“It is reasonable to anticipate that JE may again affect livestock in Victoria, however therehave been no reported animal cases in Victoria since pig cases wereseen last summer,” Dr Cooke said.

The mostcommon signs of Japanese encephalitis in pigs aremummified and stillbornorweak piglets, some with neurological signs.

Very young piglets may exhibit signs of central nervous system disease, however, the majorityof pigsappearunaffected. Japanese encephalitis virus is not spread directly from pigs to people, and thereis no risk to humans from eating pig meat.

Horses may show no signs of illness from arbovirus infections,but thesediseases can present with fever,loss of appetite, jaundice,lethargy, neurological or musculoskeletalsigns such as staggering, incoordination,weaknessand depression.

Hendra virus infection mustalways be ruled out in cases of neurological disease in horses.

Hendra and West Nile virus clinical disease can have human health implications, so it is important to report suspect cases and get anaccurate diagnosisto ensurethe appropriate response.

Horse owners can protect their animals by rugging and hooding them to prevent bites and stabling them between dusk and dawn, asthe mosquito most likelytocarry diseases of concernisa night-time feeder that stays outdoors.

Reducing mosquito breedingsites by removing stagnant water or fixingdripping or leaking taps and water troughs, is critical in reducing the risks of arbovirus.

“Whereit’s not possible to fully eliminate breeding sites, people should treat them with an appropriately registered larvicide,” Dr Cooke said.

Animal owners suspecting JE, Hendra and West Nile virus clinical disease should notify their vet or the AgricultureVictoria Animal Health and Welfareteam, the Emergency Animal DiseaseWatch Hotline 1800 675 888 or the Notify Now App. People with increased exposuretomosquitoes may be at ahigher risk of infection, particularly people working or living on or near pig farms.

For informationaboutthe JE in pigs and horses, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/JE

For moreinformation about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health phone your GP or NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or visit the Better Health channel.