Following recent severe rain and flooding, horse and pig owners are being reminded to safeguard their animals from mosquito-borne illnesses this summer.
Bite avoidance and mosquito management, according to Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke, are essential for keeping animals free of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus (Kunjin strain), Ross River fever, Murray Valley encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis (JE).
“It is reasonable to anticipate that JE may again affect livestock in Victoria, however there have been no reported animal cases in Victoria since pig cases were seen last summer,” Dr Cooke said.
According to Agriculture Victoria, mummified and stillborn or weak piglets, often with neurological indications, are the most common signs of Japanese encephalitis in pigs. Although very young piglets may show indications of central nervous system disorders, the vast majority of pigs appear unscathed.
The Japanese encephalitis virus is not transmitted directly from pigs to humans; therefore, consuming pig flesh poses no risk to humans, Agriculture Victoria added.
Arbovirus infections in horses may cause no symptoms, but they can cause fever, lack of appetite, jaundice, lethargy, and neurological or musculoskeletal signs such as staggering, incoordination, weakness, and depression.
In situations of neurological disease in horses, Hendra virus infection must always be ruled out. Because Hendra and West Nile virus clinical disease can have severe consequences for human health, it is critical to report suspicious cases and obtain an accurate diagnosis to ensure an adequate response.
Additionally, Agriculture Victoria said horse owners could safeguard their animals by rubbing and hooding them to prevent bites and stowing them between nightfall and dawn, as the mosquito most likely to carry diseases of concern is a night-time feeder that remains outside.
Reduced mosquito breeding opportunities can be reduced by eliminating stagnant water or repairing dripping or leaking taps and water troughs.
“Whether it’s not possible to fully eliminate breeding sites, people should treat them with an appropriately registered larvicide,” Dr Cooke said.
Animal owners who fear their animals have JE, Hendra, or West Nile virus clinical disease are urged to contact their veterinarian or the Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare division.
