Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a virus endemic to parts of Asia and the Torres Strait region of Australia, has been detected in eastern Australia.

JEV is spread by mosquito bites and can cause a serious disease called Japanese encephalitis.

The virus exists in a transmission cycle between mosquitoes, waterbirds and/or pigs. While animals, including pigs, donkeys and horses, can be infected with JEV, they cannot transmit the virus to humans.



JEV in animals

In animals, signs of the disease may be seen in pigs, horses and donkeys. Other animals can be infected, but they typically do not show signs of illness. For guidance on protecting the animals in your care, and for more information about the signs and symptoms of the disease in pigs and horses, please visit outbreak.gov.au.

JEV in animals is a nationally notifiable disease. If you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. You can do this by contacting your local veterinarian or simply call the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.

JEV in humans

For health advice about JEV in humans, please visit ACT Health website.