Agriculture Victoria has detected Japanese encephalitis at one new piggery amid efforts to track the growing spread of the disease.
The disease has been confirmed at 15 properties across Moira, Wangaratta, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and the Northern Grampians.
It has also been detected in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
Recent detections are the result of national surveillance efforts to identify new cases, determine the disease’s spread and find the source of its introduction.
Agriculture Victoria said its incident management team was working closely with industry and continuing to provide advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.
It is also working with the pig and horse industries in response to the outbreak while a number of suspected cases are under investigation.
The disease is spread through migratory water bird movement and infected mosquitoes over long distances, but does not usually spread between animals.
Infection is not spread directly between pigs and people and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat.
Victorians are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites while spending time outdoors with long and loose clothing as well as insect repellent.
Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people with a high exposure risk, such as those working with pigs.
For more information about Japanese encephalitis and animals visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/general-livestock-diseases/japanese-encephalitis
For information on the disease and human health contact your GP, phone Nurse on Call at 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev