The mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) already detected across four states is likely to travel further if it spreads into the estimated 24-million-strong feral pig population, the pork industry is warning.
JEV has already claimed the lives of two men in New South Wales and Victoria.
Australian Pork chief executive Margo Andre pointed to the heavy rains on the east coast as the reason for increased risk of the virus's spread.
"At this stage, we are not aware of any Japanese encephalitis in the feral herd [but] we are doing regular surveillance, baiting programs, and reducing those numbers.
"We're certainly not taking any chances, so we'll increase that surveillance and monitoring."
Northern Territory on standby
Biosecurity authorities will step up surveillance of Australia's feral pig population, especially in the north, where a large portion of the population is located.
"Working with the Northern Territory, we'll be undertaking surveillance of feral pigs, specifically for Japanese encephalitis virus," Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer, Mark Schipp, said.
"We are asking the public, pig owners, and horse owners to be highly vigilant for signs of that disease in themselves or in their animals."
A virus that has the potential to severely reduce feral pig numbers on pastoral properties and national parks may not seem like something to concern farmers and rangers, however JEV can spread from pigs to horses and then to humans if not kept under control.
Pastoralists, hunters, and rangers are being urged to be on alert when out on country.
Campbell Costello, of Outback and Airborne Veterinary Services, told ABC Rural the symptoms could be quite drastic.
"Hunters and station people might start recognising there are not many young suckling pigs running around; it's mainly adults.
"In horses … some jaundice, maybe loss of control of their larynx and voice box, neurological signs and depression … you know, irreversible damage."
Dr Costello said there were preventative measures you could put in place to protect horses, such as “putting on mosquito fly rugs at dawn and dusk".
If you suspect an animal is showing signs of the disease, contact your local veterinarian or the national Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
