Mosquito borne diseases - most common disease spread by mosquitoes in South Australia is Ross River virus, followed by Barmah Forest virus.
Japanese Encephalitis virus for Environmental Health Officers
Japanese Encephalitis virus (JEV) can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain and is spread to humans through mosquito bites. See You've Got What? for information about JEV including symptoms, treatment and prevention.
The best way to protect yourself and others from infection is to fight the bite.
Immunisation of mosquito surveillance and control workers
It is recommended that Environmental Health Officers undertaking mosquito surveillance activities in high-risk areas are vaccinated against JEV. For further information regarding vaccinations for Environmental Health Officers please email the Health Protection Programs on HealthProtectionPrograms@sa.gov.au.
Useful links
Animal Health Australia (AHA)
Animal Health Australia (AHA) manages the development and review of the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan (AUSVETPLAN) on behalf of its members. AUSVETPLAN contains the nationally-agreed approach for the response to emergency animal disease (EAD) incidents in Australia. The plan is captured in a series of manuals and supporting documents. The AUSVETPLAN for JEV also includes guidance on personal protective equipment when working in or around piggeries impacted by JEV.
The Australian Government Department of Health
The Australian Government Department of Health provides a national overview of the current JEV situation in Australia, including latest medical advice, official reports and priority groups for vaccination on their website.
SA Health, Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB)
You've Got What? JEV explains how JEV is spread, the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and immunisations.
The Conversation
The Conversation is an independent source of news and views, sourced from the academic and research community and delivered direct to the public. Further information and discussion regarding JEV and why it has appeared in Australia can be found on the website.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA)
PIRSA has a dedicated section of their website which provides information about JEV. The website contains details about animals that are susceptible, symptoms in animals, how to reduce risk, reporting an animal suspected to have the virus and several other useful resources.
The Farm Biosecurity awareness campaign
The Farm Biosecurity awareness campaign is a joint initiative of AHA and Plant Health Australia (PHA) on behalf of their members. Their website has detailed information regarding mosquito control around piggeries. The JEV Management Group consisting of representatives from agriculture and health agencies and the pork industry have produced information to support pig producers and licenced pest controllers in the control of mosquitoes in piggeries.
- Integrated Mosquito Management Principles for Piggeries (PDF 587KB)
- Controlling mosquitoes around piggeries factsheet (PDF 879KB)
Related information
- Arbovirus and mosquito monitoring reports
- Fight the Bite resources and information
- Information about JEV including symptoms, treatment and prevention