The Australian Government will invest $69 million to control the spread of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Program initiatives aim to prevent exposure to the disease through vaccination and mosquito management systems, to protect people and animals most at risk during the current outbreak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A multiportfolio response will implement control and public health measures. Key elements of the control package include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said there were currently 15 confirmed human cases of JEV in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSadly, it has been confirmed two people, one in Victoria and one in NSW, have died of JEV and I offer my condolences to their families, friends and community,\u201d Minister Hunt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis package will expand and enhance current mosquito control and surveillance strategies and continue our support to states and territories to limit the number of people and animals who are exposed to JEV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Australian Government will also procure vaccines and distribute equitably to states and territories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA), in consultation with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), has prioritised people for vaccination with direct exposure or close-proximity to pigs and mosquitos, and those with high-level occupational exposures in the risk areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are other simple steps we can all take to prevent contact with infected mosquitos, such as using repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin, wearing loose fitting clothing when outside, and ensuring that accommodation is properly fitted with mosquito nettings or screens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two human JEV vaccines available on the Australian market, Imojev (Sanofi-Aventis Australia) and JEspect (Seqirus). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Imojev is a single dose vaccine which supports broad use and rapid vaccination, however it not suitable for pregnant women or people who are immunocompromised. JEspect, is given in two dose course and is suitable for most people who can\u2019t receive the Imojev vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
State and Territory Public Health units are co-ordinating and implementing the priority vaccination program, with initial vaccinations underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and Deputy Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, said mosquito trapping and control is being conducted at all infected piggeries, with movement restrictions in place for properties in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJEV is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses in pigs and, in some cases, encephalitis in horses,\u201d Minister Littleproud said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCommercially produced pork meat or pork products are safe to consume and there are no food safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur departments are working very closely with their state government counterparts and affected animal industries to ensure a swift and coordinated response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are working with the pig industry to implement appropriate mosquito control measures and trapping and sampling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA national surveillance plan is being developed to identify and locate infected mosquitoes, birds, pigs\u2014including feral pigs\u2014horses and humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnyone who works with pigs or horses should be aware of this disease and protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it by contacting your local veterinarian or calling the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou should also take steps to protect your animals from mosquitoes\u2014for instance, by applying a safe insect repellent and putting a summer rug on horses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
JEV was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance on 4 March 2022 by the Chief Medical Officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For more information about the current human health situation visit: https:\/\/www.health.gov.au\/health-alerts\/japanese-encephalitis-virus-jev\/about<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information about the current animal health situation visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n