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.

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