Pig farmer reassures that pork is ‘100 per cent safe’ despite Japanese encephalitis outbreak

A pig farmer has encouraged Victorians to keep eating pork despite an outbreak of Japanese encephalitis at several piggeries.

The viral disease is usually found in pigs or horses and is transmitted to humans via infected mosquitos

Three Victorians have been hospitalised with the disease so far.

It cannot be transmitted from human to human.

Victorian Farmers Federation Pigs Group President Tim Kingma said “the pig meat is 100 per cent safe” despite the outbreak.

“Aussies can keep eating Aussie pork,” he told Ross and Russ on 3AW Breakfast.

“And we’re just really trying to work on the mosquitos because they’re the issue.

“And I would say to any consumer, or any farmer, keep the mozzies down and you’ll be right.”

Press PLAY to hear the full interview below

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