One of Australia's leading agricultural organisations has released a statement clarifying humans are unable to contract Japanese encephalitis directly from pigs - and there is no risk when eating pig meat.
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Agriculture Victoria said only infected mosquitoes can spread infection, and is not considered contagious.
The virus can also spread through the movement of migratory water birds often over long distances too.
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The clarification comes after another Victorian property was identified over the weekend as having pigs infected with the virus, bringing the list of exposed properties across the state to 19.
Currently the exposed properties are located in Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas.
Cases of the virus have also been confirmed in piggeries in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
NSW Health stated confirmed cases have potentially been exposed in the Balranald, Berrigan, Federation, Goulburn Mulwaree, Griffith, Temora and Wentworth Local Government Areas.
There are 10 active cases of JEV in NSW as of 4pm, April 1 2022.
Agriculture Victoria further indicated it is currently investigating a number of other suspected cases in the state too.
Agriculture Victoria said it's continuing to work closely with both the pig and horse industries - providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners - in response to the outbreak.
Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.
JEV vaccines are recommended for people are at a higher risk of being exposed to the virus, such as those working with pigs.
For more information about JEV and animals visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/je and for more information about JEV and human health visit health.vic.gov.au/jev or contact your GP.