THERE is a growing concern across Victoria about the spread of the mosquito–borne disease Japanese encephalitis.

As of yesterday, six cases have been confirmed as Victorian residents with another case currently being investigated.

All of these confirmed cases had spent time near the Victorian – New South Wales border prior to the illness being detected.

There are also two interstate residents who are currently receiving medical care in Victoria.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) most commonly affects pigs and horses and can cause reproductive and neurological issues for these animals.

The potentially fatal disease can also be spread to humans through mosquitos that have been infected with the disease.

Most people who contract JEV will have no symptoms or very mild ones that will likely see a full recovery.

Children under the age of five and older people who become infected are at a greater risk of developing more severe illnesses and symptoms.

Anyone who develops a sudden onset of fever, headache, vomiting as well as seizures or disorientation should seek urgent medical attention.

A vaccine is available for JEV and is currently being recommended for people who work with or around pigs.

This includes transport workers or vets who visit pig farms and those who cull or hunt pigs.

Piggeries across the state have been impacted by the spread of this disease, including the shires of Wangaratta, Loddon, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Shepparton and Greater Bendigo.

As infection can only occur through mosquitos – pork products will remain safe to eat.

Victorian chief veterinary officer, Dr Graeme Cooke, urged anyone with pigs or horses to remain vigilant on the condition of their animals and the amount of mosquitos near them.

"We encourage pig farmers and horse owners to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds near their animals, such as stagnant water, to reduce the chances of them being bitten," he said.

Federal Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud, discussed potential economic ramifications of the outbreak.

"It'll be well into the hundreds of millions of dollars, not just across stock, but also pineapple turf, vegetables...even seeing the meat processing plants," he said.

"There's a real issue that we're going to have to work through".

Authorities are urging people to report any cases of unexplained pig deaths, especially piglets, or unexplained horse illnesses, to the 24–hour Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet or to Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.

For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/je

The Department of Health has issued public health advice available at www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious–diseases/japanese–encephalitis–virus.