Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause reproductive losses and encephalitis in susceptible animal species. It is caused by Japanese encephalitis virus which is a member of the Flavivirus genus.

Japanese encephalitis was detected in Victoria for the first time in February 2022.

For information about JE and human health, including vaccinations visit the Department of Health website.

If you suspect Japanese encephalitis in any animal immediately phone the all-hours Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.