Domestic Pigs and Japanese Encephalitis Virus Infection in Australia
Author Information
Author(s): van den Hurk Andrew F., Ritchie Scott A., Johansen Cheryl A., Mackenzie John S., Smith Greg A.
Primary Institution: Queensland Health
Hypothesis
Does relocating domestic pigs decrease the risk of Japanese encephalitis virus transmission to humans in northern Australia?
Conclusion
Relocating domestic pigs did not eliminate the risk of Japanese encephalitis virus transmission to humans, as infected mosquitoes were still detected.
Supporting Evidence
- Japanese encephalitis virus is a major cause of viral encephalitis in Southeast Asia.
- Despite pig relocation, JEV was still detected in mosquitoes collected in the community.
- Birds accounted for 23% of blood meals of Culex annulirostris identified from the dump in 2003.
Takeaway
Moving pigs away from people might help, but it doesn't completely stop the spread of the virus that can make people sick.
Methodology
Adult mosquitoes were collected on Badu Island during 1995, 1998, and 2003 for virus detection using CDC traps and PCR methods.
Limitations
The study did not assess the long-term effects of pig relocation on JEV transmission.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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