Japanese Encephalitis Virus Detected in Central Queensland Pig, Health Officials Urge Vaccination
A case of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been confirmed in a pig in Central Queensland’s Banana Shire, marking the first detection of the virus in the region, according to Queensland Health. The detection comes two months after JEV was identified in piggeries in the state’s south-east.
JEV is primarily spread through mosquito bites. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on pigs or wading birds carrying the virus and can then transmit it to humans. While many people exposed to JEV do not experience symptoms, the virus can cause severe illness or death in some cases.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Heidi Carroll, said the presence of JEV in Central Queensland suggests wider mosquito transmission across the state. She encouraged vaccination, which is free for those in high-risk areas.
“Some areas where JEV has been found this year were already considered at risk due to previous detections,” Dr Carroll said. “But this year, we’re seeing the virus pop up in more regions across Queensland.”
JEV Presence Growing in Queensland
The recent case follows earlier alerts from Biosecurity Queensland in February when JEV was detected at two piggeries in southern Queensland — the first animal detections in the state since July 2022. In March, the virus was confirmed for the first time in Brisbane, in the suburb of Hemmant.
Soon after, a man from Bowen who had contracted the virus died at Mackay Base Hospital. He was the third confirmed JEV case in Queensland this year and the second fatality from the virus ever recorded in the state.
Public Health Advice and Protection Measures
Health authorities are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly ahead of the Easter break when outdoor activities like camping and bushwalking increase the risk of bites — especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
Dr Carroll stressed the importance of preventive measures such as:
- Applying mosquito repellent
- Wearing long, loose-fitting clothing
- Using insecticide sprays
- Ensuring tents and homes are properly screened
“Vaccination is recommended for individuals at higher risk of exposure,” she said. “This includes people living or working in high-risk areas, especially those frequently exposed to mosquitoes.”
Eligible groups for the free JEV vaccine include:
- Piggery workers
- People living near or visiting piggeries
- Veterinarians
- Livestock transport workers
- Others involved in the care or handling of pigs
