Australia Faces Pork Supply Shortages Due to Japanese Encephalitis Production Losses

Experts say the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) will impact Australia's pork supply as there are now 30 infected piggeries in New South Wales (NSW) experiencing production losses of up to 80%, ABC Rural News reports.

The stress is wearing on pork producers, NSW Department of Primary Industries chief veterinary officer Sarah Britton said in the article.

Although the disease has no impact on food safety, Britton pointed out that production losses would likely affect availability of pork. Disease cases are stabilizing in recent weeks as mosquito activity has reduced. Still, producers are left wondering if this disease will return next year.