Tejal Somvanshi
Karmactive Staff
A dangerous virus has appeared again in Queensland’s pig farms. Health officials found Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) at two locations in southern Queensland on February 17, 2025. This is the first time the virus has been found in Queensland animals since July 2022.
Mosquitoes spread this virus by biting infected pigs or birds, then biting other animals or humans. “If a human gets bitten by a mosquito in a region where there’s JEV, one of the consequences could be death,” warns Robert van Barneveld, who runs Australia’s largest pork company, Sunpork.
The virus affects pig farms by causing problems with breeding. Mother pigs might lose their babies or give birth to weak piglets. Once pigs are exposed to the virus, they develop a degree of immunity, according to van Barneveld.
Health teams have found the virus in mosquitoes in several towns: Goondiwindi, Inglewood, and Monto. They’ve also found it in wild pigs and mosquitoes in New South Wales.
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Queensland has made the vaccine available at over 100 locations. While the vaccine itself is free for eligible Queenslanders, some providers may charge a consultation fee. More than 18,000 people have gotten these shots since 2022. People who live near pig farms or in bushland inhabited by wild pigs are urged to get vaccinated.
The last big outbreak in 2022 hit hard. It spread to more than 80 pig farms across four states. Seven people died. Now, pig farmers are working with scientists at the University of Queensland to create a vaccine for pigs. They’re waiting for government approval to use it.
Heidi Carroll, Queensland’s top health officer, says February brings more mosquito problems as their numbers grow. Pig farmers are watching their animals closely and fighting mosquitoes. Horse owners keep their animals in stables from sunset to sunrise, when mosquitoes are most active.
One person in Queensland has already caught the virus this year in January. While you can’t get sick from eating infected meat or from another person, mosquito bites in affected areas pose a real risk.
