Japanese Encephalitis Risk Rises in Australia: How It Spreads & How to Stay Protected
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne disease that has become an increasing state-wide concern in Australia, especially with recent detections in areas like New South Wales. But did you know that certain animals play a crucial role in the transmission of this virus? Waterbirds and pigs, in particular, are central characters in the spread of this virus, serving as key hosts in the virus's life cycle, allowing it to persist and spread in certain environments. The recent development of its spread around Australia have highlighted the importance of understanding how the virus spreads, especially as changing weather conditions create perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While JEV is not new to Australia, there is still the need for increased awareness, preventative measures, and vaccination efforts to minimise its impact on public health. In this blog, we’ll explore the role of waterbirds and pigs in the JEV transmission cycle, practical ways to protect yours...