Australia detects Japanese encephalitis virus in 2 piggeries

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Australian authorities have detected Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) at two Queensland piggeries, according to an official statement.

Biosecurity Queensland issued an alert on Monday, confirming detections of the virus in southern Queensland.

"These are the first detections of JEV in animals in Queensland since July 2022. JEV is considered established in mainland Australia, so the detections are not unexpected," the statement said.

Virus cases have also been recently detected in New South Wales and Victoria.

Last month, Australia confirmed its first human case of Japanese encephalitis virus in Victoria since 2022, with the patient in critical condition at a Melbourne hospital.

Japanese encephalitis typically affects pigs and birds but can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites.